Asian Science Citation Index is committed to provide an authoritative, trusted and significant information by the
coverage of the most important and influential journals
to meet the needs of the global scientific community.
Background and Objective: In folkloric medicine from Asia, Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne is used for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic extracts of Acacia tortilis leaves (ELAT) and its protective effect in preventing the secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Different doses of ELAT (50, 100 and 150 mg kg–1) were administered orally and their effects were studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Data obtained from results was compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. Results: In all experiments, ELAT caused a significant reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels. The effect was pronounced at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg kg–1 and also showed improved activity as compared to glibenclamide used as a reference drug. The ELAT was found to be safe at the dose of 2000 mg kg–1, as no mortality was observed. For hepatic function test, marker enzymes were not changed markedly in ELAT-treated rats. The lipid profile showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the levels of serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. Conclusion: It is concluded that the leaf ethanolic extract of Acacia tortilis has antidiabetic activity. It also decreased the lipid profile in rats. This justifies the traditional use of plant. It serve as a natural source for antidiabetic drugs in whom hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia quite often coexist.
