Acute oral toxicity and antidiabetic evaluation of Phala Trikadi Kwath extract in Streptozotocin-induced Wistar rats

Abstract

This study aims to determine the safety and antidiabetic potential of Phala Trikadi Kwath extract in Wistar rats. For the acute toxicity study, three groups with three animals each were given oral dosages of the test drug at 50,300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight. Then each animal was checked for symptoms of toxicity, once in the first 30 minutes, every 24 hours and for the next 14 days. For the OGTT test, Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were selected for induction of diabetes using streptozotocin. Body weights were measured then OGTT was performed in fasted normal rats, randomised into five groups (n=6). They were treated with drinking water, extract or standard (glibenclamide 5mg/kg). Glucose was fed 30 minutes after administration. Blood was withdrawn under anaesthesia in 0,30,60, and 120 minutes of glucose administration and glucose levels, serum HDL, LDL, Cholesterol and liver function estimated. Histopathology of the pancreas was done after euthanasia. In an acute toxicity study, no dose amounts resulted in death, while higher doses showed some alterations in skin and fur. Hence, 300mg/kg was selected to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Significant control of diabetes and other parameters was observed. The Islet cells of the 60 mg/kg body weight extract-treated group were found to be in a normal position.