Hypoglycaemic Activity of Globimetulla browni Extracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats during Wet Season

Globimetulla browni is a specie of African mistletoe (Lorantheceae) and is hemi-parasitic in nature. It was studied for ascribed/folkloric antidiabetic properties. Stretozotocin which is well known for its selective pancreatic $-cell cytotoxicity was used to induce type 1 diabetes in the experimental rat model Glibenclamide was used as a standard antidiabetic drug in streptozotocin induced diabetes to compare the efficacy of variety of hypoglycaemic agents. The extracts from this specie significantly increased the body weights of the albino rats with the extracts effectively controlling the increase in the glucose levels in the diabetic group of rats which could be attributed to its antihyperglycemic effects. Further, the antihyperglycemic activities of the extracts was associated with an increase in plasma insulin level, suggesting an insulinogenic activity of the plant extract.