Hypoglycemic and aldose reductase activity of Polichia campestris.

The hypoglycemic activity of 80% methanol extract of Polichia campestris (PM) was investigated in both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, one of the insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus. PM (300 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of normal mice from 2 to 7 h after oral administration. It also decreased hyperglycemia from 594 +/- 46 to 472 +/- 31 mg/dl 4 h after oral administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice (p < 0.05). PM strongly increased glucose uptake in adipose tissues. In addition, the petroleum ether fraction of PM inhibited aldose reductase activity. These experimental results suggest that the antidiabetic activity of Polichia campestris supports its use in traditional medicine.