Effect of Cyclea peltata Lam. roots aqueous extract on glucose levels, lipid profile, insulin, TNF-alpha and skeletal muscle glycogen in type 2 diabetic rats.

In view of multi-dimensional activity of plant drugs beneficial to complex disorders like diabetes, the present study has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of C. peltata roots on serum glucose, lipid profile, insulin, inflammatory marker namely tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and muscle glycogen in type 2 diabetic rats. Aqueous extract of C. peltata at 40 and 60 mg/kg dose significantly decreased both the fasting and postprandial blood glucose of type 2 diabetic rats; 60 mg/kg dose having more pronounced effect on hyperglycemia. An enhanced insulin levels by the aqueous extract is primary for its glucose and lipid lowering activity. The extract significantly decreased the elevated TNF-alpha in type 2 diabetic rats. The extract at 40 and 60 mg/kg dose increased the glycogen levels in skeletal muscle by 58 and 60% respectively. Improved glycogen in peripheral tissue such as skeletal muscle indicates the ability of plant drug to combat insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes.