A novel steroid from Elephantopus scaber L. an ethnomedicinal plant with antidiabetic activity.

Acetone extract of Elephantopus scaber, an ethnomedicnal plant, reduced the blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats significantly. Acute toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of the crude extract. Fractionation of the acetone extract yielded a new steroid, 28Nor-22(R)Witha 2,6,23-trienolide. Biological testing of the compound demonstrated a significant antidiabetic activity by reducing the elevated blood glucose levels and restoring the insulin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This compound can be a useful candidate to treat diabetes.