Citrullus colocynthis attenuates hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia through itsanti-oxidant property against hyperlipidemic and diabetic animal models

Citrullus colocynthis-colocynth-Cucurbitaceae, is a widely used plant in traditional medical practice in many disorders, especially for diabetic, stomach pains, cathartic and laxative. Due to the scarcity of scientific reports for its traditional use, we aimed to investigate its effects in high fat (HF) induced hyperlipidemic and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis (MECC-200 and 400mg/kg) were administered orally for 30 days. At the end of study, we employed biochemical estimation, which reveals that hyperlipidemic and diabetic groups were shown significant elevation in the level of serum lipid profiles, plasma glucose respectively along with the elevation of serum AST, ALT, lipid peroxides, and this elevation were significantly attenuated by treatment with MECC-200 and MECC-400. In addition, treatment with MECC-200 mg/kg and MECC-400 mg/kg were significantly improved the levels of SOD, GSH, CAT in cholesterol fed hyperlipidemic and STZ-induced diabetic rats (**p<0.01). Moreover methanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruits was screened for its free--radical scavenging effect, reducing power and Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. Results from our study indicates, the definite radical quenching activity of the extract towards DPPH radicals,NO free radicals in comparison with ascorbic acid.In reducing power method, MECC demonstrated dose dependent antioxidant activity comparable with Ascorbic acid.Thus, it clearly indicates that Citrullus colocynthis might be beneficial in attenuating hyperlipidemic and diabetes conditions.Morover the results suggested the ability of the extract to combact oxidative stress by quenching free radicals which revelas that, the atteneuation due to its anti-oxidant property.