A Comparative study on anti hyperglycemic activity of Ficus bengalensis, Linn aerial roots and barks.

The local traditional healers in Mandsaur use the barks and aerial roots of Ficus bengalensis Linn (Moraceae) in the treatment of diabetes. The Antihyperglycemic activity of barks was reported, in this direction our work was planned to evaluate and compare the antihyperglycemic activity of barks and aerial roots of Ficus bengalensis. The ethanolic extract of both the parts were used for the study using Alloxan induced diabetic model. The activities of both the extracts at a dose level of 100 mg/kg were compared with reference standard, Gilbenclamide 5 mg/kg. The study was done for 14 days and the effects of the extracts were compared with reference standard and control. The bark and aerial roots extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001), (P<0.01) lowered the blood sugar level of hyperglycemic rats respectively. Comparatively barks exhibited better activity than aerial roots. This study supports the claim of local healers.