Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of Ficus mollis leaves

Abstract

The present research was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Ficus mollis Vahl, Moraceae, against dexamethasone induced insulin resistance. Wistar albino rats were treated with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) for ten days to induce insulin sensitivity. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethyl acetate extract of F. mollis were evaluated by using two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight p.o.). The day 11 all rats were sacrificed and serum was collected for biochemical estimation, liver and pancreas were excised for histopathology. Administration of dexamethasone shows hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia due to insulin resistance. Ethyl acetate extract of F. mollis reverted the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia caused by dexamethasone in a dose dependent manner. The changes were further confirmed by histopathological report. The extract effect was compared with reference standard glibenclamide, which shows a similar effect. From these findings it has been concluded that the ethyl acetate extract of Ficus mollis offered significant protection against dexamethasone induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.