Effects of Lythrum salicaria in normoglycemic rats

Several extracts from stem and flower of Lythrum salicaria were evaluated for their hypoglycemic activity in rats. Results indicate that ether extracts from stem or flowers at a dose equivalent to 10 g/kg of crude plant material caused a significant reduction in blood glucose 4 h after oral administration and that this effect was associated with an increase of circulating insulin. The effects of extracts on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were also studied.