Antihyperglycemic Activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Leaves Extract by Modulation of β‑cell Functioning in Streptozotocin‑Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The objective of the study is to study the anti‑hyperglycemic potential of Ethyl Acetate dissolved fraction of methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (EAAA) leaves on STZ induced diabetic rat model. Materials and Methods: Safety study of EAAA was carried out with different doses up to 2000 mg/kg. Hyperglycemia was developed in Sprague Dawley male (SD) rats by only one dose of streptozotocin 55 mg/kg in 0.1 M Citrate buffer by intraperitoneal route. Hyperglycemic rats were treated with EAAA 50,100mg/kg and Metformin 120 mg/kg body wt. Biological specifications such as glucose level in blood, insulin level in serum and glucose transporter (GLUT‑2) protein expression were measured. In addition, histopathological study of pancreatic tissue was performed to check changes occurred in β‑cell complex. Results: No mortality was observed during safety study. Weight of treated rats was found to be increased whereas glucose level in blood samples of EAAA treated rats were showed improvement as compare to control groups. The result shows up‑regulation of serum insulin levels and small changes in the expression of GLUT‑2 after 4‑week treatment with the EAAA treatment. The presence of polyphenols in EAAA may have provoked ingestion of glucose by changing the glucose transporter. It has been identified by many researchers that herbal extracts which are rich in polyphenols are responsible for debilitating insulin resistance and thus restrain glucose uptake by expressing GLUT‑2 in pancreatic cells of diabetic rats. Histological analysis demonstrated improvement in the structural decay of β‑cells of pancreatic tissue. Conclusion: The results indicate the thinkable effect of EAAA in STZ‑induced diabetic Rats.