Effect of Mucuna cochinchinensis seed extract on alloxan-induced diabetic experimental rats

Mucuna cochinchinensis (Fabaceae)is a widely grown twiner that has been used in the traditional medicine for treating many ailments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of ethyl acetate extract of M. cochinchinensis seeds on alloxan-induced diabetic rat models.

M. cochinchinensis seeds were collected and macerated with ethyl acetate to obtain ethyl acetate extract of M. cochinchinensis (EMC). The obtained extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis using standard protocol and HPLC-MS study to identify the phytoconstituents present. Effect of EMC on parameters like blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were assessed using commercial kits in alloxan-induced experimental rats.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis of EMC showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and glycosides. HPLC-MS study revealed the presence of 6-C-Pentosyl-8-C-hexosyl apigenin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in EMC. EMC effect on alloxan-induced diabetic ratsblood glucose level on 1^st, 7^th and 14^th day and plasma insulin levels were determined and was found to revert the blood glucose levels significantly (p<0.01).

To conclude, EMC has potent efficacy in normalizing blood glucose and serum insulin concentration in alloxan induced diabetic rats.