ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS OF TURMERIC IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the common constituents of our daily food. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of ethanolic extract of Rhizomes of curcuma longa in alloxan induced diabetic rats and compared with of Pioglitazone, which is the standard anti-diabetic agent. METHODS: Alloxan monohydrate is used to induce diabetes mellitus in albino rats in the dose of 120mg/kg i.p. and anti-diabetic activity of turmeric was studied by following study design. The rats are divided into 6 groups and each group contains 6 rats (N= 6) as follows. Group I: Normal control Given normal saline (10ml/kg/day). Group II: Diabetic control Given normal saline (10ml/kg/day). Group III: Euglycemic rats Given turmeric extract (300mg/kg/day). Group IV: Diabetic rats Given turmeric extract (300mg/kg/day). Group V: Diabetic control Given turmeric extract (500mg/kg/day). Group VI: Diabetic rats Given Pioglitazone (6mg/kg/day) Study was conducted for a period of 28 days and all the drugs were given orally once daily. Blood glucose levels were estimated at 1, 3, 5, 7 hrs. (acute study) and 7, 14, 21, 28 days (chronic study). The body weights of the rats in every groups recorded weekly and general behavior and health of the animal were monitored carefully. The data was analyzed statistically using student’s paired and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Ethanolic extract of turmeric produced significant ( p < 005 ) decreases in blood glucose levels on 7th, 14th, 21th and 28 days in diabetic