Studies on hypoglycaemic activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. fruit extract in rats

Aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) was investigated for hypoglycaemic activity in rats and mice. Screening for the hypoglycaemic activity was assessed on normoglycaemic, alloxan treated hyperglycaemic and glucose loaded rats along with in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm. The various haematological and biochemical parameters were also studied. The extract was found to possess significant hypoglycaemic activity when compared with the reference standard glibenclamide. The in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm suggests that the aqueous extract may have direct insulin like activity which enhances the peripheral utilization of glucose and have extra pancreatic effect. The toxicity studies report safety usage of the plant extract.