Methanolic extract of var. crista leaves modulates glucose homeostasis and abates oxidative hepatic injury in diabetic rats.

commonly known as cockscomb plant is widely used in folkloric medicine in the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus. The effect of methanolic extract of var. . (CAVCL) leaves on blood glucose level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were evaluated in diabetic rats. Five groups of male albino rats consisting of 5 animals each were used for the present study. They were grouped as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic administered with 250 and 750 mg/kg b.w , and 5 mg/kg b.w glibenclamide. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally at 120 mg/kg b.w. The control and diabetic groups were given distilled water and rat chow for 21 days. Blood glucose level of each group was estimated every week, and at the end of the experiment, SOD, CAT, MDA and serum ALP, and AST and ALT activities were assayed in the liver and serum respectively of the experimental animals. The results showed a significant increase ( < 0.05) in serum AST, ALP, and ALT activities and reduction in SOD and CAT activities compared with normal control groups. The extract at both doses significantly lowered the high levels of the serum enzymes and increased the level of CAT and SOD. These results indicate an anti-hyperglycemia and antioxidative protective effect of leaves.