Hypoglycemic effect of lotus (nelumbo nucifera gaertn.) Flower ethanolic extract on alloxan induced diabetes rat model

Abstract

The current study was purposed to evaluate an acute toxicity and effects of lotus (Nulumbo nucifera Gaertn.) flower ethanolic extract (LFEE) on alloxan induced diabetic rats. In vivo acute toxicity study of LFEE was carried out via the guideline of the testing of Chemicals (OECD) by oral administration at limit test of 2000 mg/Kg and 5000 mg/Kg, the results showed that, LD50 was greater than the limit dose at 5000 mg/Kg. The various dosages, including 150 and 200 mg/Kg, were enrolled in current study to evaluate its effect on fasting blood glucose reduction. The results revealed that LFEE had hypoglycemic activity, no signs and disorder symptoms were observed in the period of oral administration. Furthermore, the extract at a dose of 150 mg/Kg showed the good effect on reducing of fasting blood glucose. These findings indicated that LFEE had non acute toxicity and hypoglycemic activities, in future, alternative beneficial products in a treatment of diabetes.