Antidiabetic Activity of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Wall ex. DC Bark Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Antidiabetic Activity of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides

Abstract

Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Wall. ex DC is a small tree of dry hills present in Northern parts of Pakistan. Leave, stem and bark of F. xanthoxyloides are used locally for the treatment of jaundice, malaria and pneumonia, internal injuries, rheumatism and bone fracture. In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activity of F. xanthoxyloides bark was explored for the first time, considering it a potential source of drug candidate. Powder of F. xanthoxyloides stem bark was extracted with methanol to obtain the crude extract and resultant was fractionated with solvents in escalating polarity. The evaporation of respective solvents was done and extract/fractions were dried and stored at 4°C for further investigation. Among all the extract/fractions, n-hexane fraction (FXBH) showed the powerful inhibition of α-amylase (IC₅₀ =33.38 μg/ml) comparable to the Acarbose (35.8 μg/ml) as well as powerful inhibition of α- glucosidase (IC₅₀ =245.6 μg/ml) comparable to Acarbose (12.53 μg/ml). HPLC-DAD analysis of FXBH showed the presence of Gallic acid, Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid and Querctin. In vivo antidiabetic potential of FXBH extract was evaluated through a trial of 15 days on Sprague Dawley rats. Biochemical parameters like serum Triglyceride, Low-density lipoprotein, Cholesterol, Lipase, Amylase, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Creatinine, Urea and C-reactive protein levels were decreased along with HBAIC while serum High-density lipoprotein was increased in rats treated with FXBH when compared to diabetic control. Histopathological analysis of pancreas of rats demonstrated the restoration of beta cells. In conclusion, F. xanthoxyloides bark has clinical potential for the treatment of diabetic diseases.