Amelioration of hyperglycaemia and modulation of antioxidant status by Alcea rosea seeds in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

AbstractContext: Alcea rosea L. (Malvaceae) has various medicinal uses including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, there is no report on its antidiabetic activity.Objective: Alcea rosea seed extracts were evaluated for antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative potential in diabetic rats.Materials and methods: Single intra-peritoneal injection of alloxan (130 mg/kg b.w.) was used for induction of diabetes in Albino Wistar rats. Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of methanol and aqueous extracts of Alcea rosea seed (100 and 300 mg/kg b.w.), administered orally on daily basis for 15 days, were assessed in vivo for fasting blood glucose level and antioxidant status of liver and pancreas. Metformin was used as a positive control.Results: Aqueous and methanol extracts (300 mg/kg b.w.) decreased blood glucose level in diabetic rats by 24% and 46%, respectively. Administration of aqueous and methanol extracts at 300 mg/kg b.w. significantly (p < 0.01) modulated the antioxidant...