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Study Title:

Pterocarpus Marsupium Lowers Weight, Blood Sugar, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes

Study Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. on elevated inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in type 2 diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type 2 diabetes was induced by administering streptozotocin (90 mg/kg, i.p.) in a neonatal rat model. Aqueous extract of P. marsupium at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg was given orally to desired group of animals for a period of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, parameters such as fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and TNF-α in serum were analyzed.

RESULTS: Aqueous extract of P. marsupium at both doses, i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg, decreased the fasting and postprandial blood glucose in type 2 diabetic rats. The 200 mg/kg had more pronounced effect on postprandial hyperglycemia. The drug also improved the body weight of diabetic animals. Cytokine TNF-α was found to be elevated in untreated diabetic rats due to chronic systemic inflammation. The aqueous extract at both doses significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the elevated TNF-α level in type 2 diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION: Modulation of cytokine TNF-α by the rasayana drug P. marsupium is related with its potential anti-diabetic activity.

Study Information

Halagappa K, Girish HN, Srinivasan BP.
The study of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. on cytokine TNF-α in type 2 diabetic rats.
Indian J Pharmacol.
2010 December
Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), M. B. Road, Sector-III, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi - 110 017, India.