Antidiabetic effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume aqueous extract in newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients (NIDDM): A preliminary investigation

• Published in: Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 84 - 89
• Main Authors: Vasu, Vihas T, Ashwinikumar, C, Maroo, Jyoti, Gupta, Sharad, Gupta, Sarita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2003
• Subjects: Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; Antioxidant effect; Enicostemma littorale Blume; Hypolipidemic effect; Hypoglycemic effect
• ISSN: 1598-2386; 2211-1069

The antidiabetic efficacy of Enicostemma littorale Blume (chhota chirayata) aqueous extract was examined in newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients taking only the extract and was administered as two divided doses, half an hour before meal as 5g of aqueous extract per single dose. Out of the 20 patients volunteered, 11 successfully completed the 2 month trial and a significant decrease in fasting & postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were observed along with a significant improvement in the antioxidant parameters of the patients. There was also a significant increase in serum insulin levels in 7 patients after extract treatment as compared to levels before treatment. Serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels were decreased significantly with a significant increase in serum HDLCholesterol levels. Other vital parameters remained stable and no side effects were observed. This is the first report showing the hypoglycemic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties of the aqueous extract of E. littorale Blume in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients.