Studies on the Effects of Asteracantha longifolia on Retardation of Glucose Absorption and Carbohydrate Digestion in Long-Evans Rats

Abstract

Our present studies were focused on the probable anti-diabetic activity of the plant Asteracantha longifolia in laboratory animals and the statistical significance of such effect. The plant extract was subjected to anti-diabetic study through assessing Disaccharidase activity and six segment method which was performed to assess the amount of sucrose remaining in the GIT at six different positions. In Six Segment test, the amount of sucrose unabsorbed in different GIT segments were evaluated in control rats vs. rats fed with 100mg/kg extract at 30 minutes, 1hour, and 2hour. In Dissacharide activity the amount of unabsorbed sucrose in Pancreatic Enzymes are evaluated in control rats vs rats fed with 100mg/kg extract .The extract caused a significant (p<0.05), dose dependent inhibition of glucose absorption and showed hypoglycemic effects in Long-Evans rats weighing about 100-200 gm. The antidiabetic effects were estimated by measuring the amount of glucose in the samples collected after the experiment. In conclusion, these observations provide evidence and possible mechanisms of action for the anti-diabetic properties of plant claimed Asteracantha longifolia in Ayurveda medicine.