Polyphenol extract of ichnocarpus frutescens leaves modifies hyperglycemia in dexamethasone (dex) treated rats

The leaves of Ichnocarpus frutescens are used extensively as a decoction for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by the tribals of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh states.

Anti-diabetic activity of polyphenol extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens was investigated using dexamethasone (DEX) induced hyperglycemia in Wistar rats. Experimental animals were injected subcutaneously with dexamethasone 3 mg/kg/day. After one week, hyperglycemic rats were orally treated with polyphenol extract (PPE) extracts at the dose of 300 mg/kg/day and 150 mg/kg/day for a period of 14 days.

Administration of DEX to fasted rats for 21 days resulted in insulin resistance evidenced by the significant increase in mean fasting blood glucose level (162.33 ± 4.72 mg/dl). Both 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of PPE markedly reversed DEX induced mean fasting blood glucose level to 104.00 ± 3.30 mg/dl and 145.5 ± 1.99 mg/dl, respectively when compared with the positive control (p < 0.01).

The possible mechanism by which polyphenol extract of I. frutescens brings about its antihyperglycemic action might be through potentiation of insulin sensitivity enhanced transport of blood glucose to the peripheral tissues. However, these findings suggest that polyphenol extract of I. frutescens therapy may reduce the risk of dexamethasone induced hyperglycemia in Wistar rats. These observations suggest that I. frutescens is a potential glucose lowering agent to ameliorate glucocorticoids induced hyperglycemia.