As incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, besides it is associated with complications, this study aimed to evaluate the Anti-hyperglycemic activity of the roots of Holostemma annularis K. Schum (Asclepiadacae) in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes as induced in rats by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Extract was orally administered to diabetic rats for a period of 16 days. Animals were divided into seven groups (n=6) receiving different treatments: Group I: Normal (Control), Group II: Diabetic (control), Group III: Standard drug glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, orally). Group IV and Group V: Chloroform Extract of Holostemma annularis (CEHA 150 and 300 mg/kg) and Group VI and Group VII Alcoholic Extract of Holostemma annularis (AEHA) (150 and 300 mg/kg). Blood serum was analyzed for the following biochemical parameters like serum glucose, serum insulin, Urine creatinine, total proteins in urine and histopathological study of pancreas was examined. Significant results were observed in the estimated parameters. It is concluded that, the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Chloroform and Alcoholic extracts of Holostemma annularis may be due to both reductions in glucose level and improvement in histopathological studies. Hence, it is proved that Holostemma annularis is having anti diabetic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
