Background Diabetes is the one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Traditionally phytotherapy is widely being used for diabetes treatment and highly valued. Citrus colocynthis has known anti-diabetic potential. However, anti-diabetic potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds is not reported yet. Methods The extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds was done by maceration method using 70% ethanol. To evaluate anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential of the seeded fruit in vitro, α-glucosidase and DPPH inhibition assays was done, respectively. In vivo study used streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes model of rats. Rats were randomized in five groups i. e. normal control, negative control, standard control, C. colocynthis 150 and 300 mg/kg. STZ was administered to all groups except normal control. After wards, plant extract and glibenclamide is continued for 14 days. Blood samples were collected from rat tail vein daily and from Cardiac puncture at the end of study. The blood glucose levels were monitored daily by using one-touch blood glucose monitoring system. The blood glucose level was monitored on 0, 1st, 5th, 8th, 11th, and 14th day of induction. Results Hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds was able to decolorize DPPH and therefore possess antioxidant potential, continuous administration for 14 days showed a marked decrease in serum glucose levels (p 0.01) it is found to be somewhat less effective as glibenclamide (standard control) (p 0.001). A time-dependent decrease in blood glucose levels was observed (351.3 ± 4 to 258 m/kg). Conclusion Hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds lowered the serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in diabetic rats significantly as compared to negative control. The hypoglycemic effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis pulpy flesh with seeds is may be due to α-glucosidase inhibition potential.
Keywords: Citrus colocynthis; diabetes; α-glucosidase.