COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF NAYANTARA, TELAKUCHA AND THEIR COMBINATIONS USED IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Plants have been the major source of medicine throughout human history. Even today, this trend continues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the methanolic extract of Catharanthus roseus (Nayantara), Cephalandra indica (Telakucha) and their combination compared to standard drug Glimepride (Amaryl®). Diabetes was induced experimentally in the rats with Streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg, i.p.). The extract of Catharanthus roseus (Nayantara), Cephalandra indica (Telakucha) & their combination were administered orally at the rate of 500 mg/kg and Glimepiride at 800 µg/kg body weight daily. The herbal preparations of these plants significantly increased body weight and decreased blood glucose as compared with the patented drug Glimepiride (Amaryl). The present study clearly indicated the significant antidiabetic activity of Catharanthus roseus (Nayantara), Telakucha (Cephalandra indica) combination of Nayantara & Telakucha. Telakucha was more effective which decreased blood glucose, thereby justifying the use of those plants in the Unani & Ayurvedic system of medicine.