Cassia fistula and hypoglycaemia

Abstract

Stem bark of Cassia fisWla Linn. {Family Leguminocae) is used as a component in several compound decoctions recommended by Sri Lankan traditional physicians for diabetes mellitus. However its effectiveness as an antidiabetic agent in monotherapy is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the antidiabetic potential of aqueous bark extract (ABE) of C. fistula. This was done in normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acute doses and chronic oral dose of ABE significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose level. Furtfier A B E markedly improved the oral glucose tolerance test rapidly. In contrast the highest dose of A B E failed to reduce blood glucose level of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A B E significantly inhibited the glucose absorption from the small intestine and provoked glycogen accumulation in liver and skeletal muscle. In contrast it failed to inhibit rise in blood glucose following a sucrose challenge, ABE was well tolerated: no overt signs of toxicity, hepatotoxicity or renotoxicity. In addition ABE elicited an impa^ment of serum tryglyceride level. It is concluded the ABE of C. fistula possesses safe mild to-moderate anti diabetic activity.