Hypolipidaemic activity of Helicteres isora L. bark extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

In this study, the hypolipidaemic effect of an aqueous extract of the bark of Helicteres isora was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Administration of the bark extract of Helicteres isora (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) for 21 days resulted in significant reduction in serum and tissue cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids and triglycerides in STZ diabetic rats. In addition to that, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) whereas significant increase (p < 0.05) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were observed in STZ diabetic rats, which were normalized after 21 days of bark extract treatment. The bark extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. showed much significant hypolipidaemic effect than at the dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.