Anti-Diabetic Potential of Murraya Koenigii (L.) and its Antioxidant Capacity in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim and Objective The present study aims to investigate whether the antihyperglycemic effect of Murraya koenigii is mediated by antioxidant properties and insulin mimetic effect. Methods Thirty Spraque - Dawley rats were induced hyperglycemia by streptozotocin and nicotinamide (STZ-NA). The STZ-NA diabetic rats were treated with an ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii 200mg/kg b.w and 400mg/kg b.w. One group was treated with glibenclamide (1mg/kg b.w). After the administration of Murraya koenigii extract and glibenclamide for four weeks, the rats were sacrificed. Blood and organ samples were collected under a fasting condition. The body weight and blood glucose levels were measured. Hepatic enzymes were determined using a commercial kit, protein levels were estimated by Bradford's method, and plasma insulin was assayed by an ELISA kit. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated by the TBA-Wills method and Ellman's method, respectively. Results Ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level at both doses, 200 and 400mg/kg b.w. In addition, Murraya koenigii exhibited a profound antioxidant effect with decreased MDA level and increased GSH level, particularly at the 200mg/kg b.w. and significantly decreased the HOMA-IR index. Conclusions The present study reveals that Murraya koenigii possesses antidiabetic activity and antioxidant effects on STZ-NA induced diabetes mellitus.