Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Effect of Chloroform Extracts of Stem of Benincasa hispida in Male Wistar Rats

The aim of the present research work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Benincasa hispida stem extract in normal male wistar rats and to compare its activity with control and standard drug glybenclamide. A total of 20 male adult wistar rats weighing around 150—200gms were taken. Rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats each. First group served as control and received 2 ml of normal saline, second group as standard received glybenclamide 0.1mg/kg, third and fourth groups as test received 200mg, 400mg of the extract respectively. Blood glucose levels of all the animals were observed at 0’hrs with the help of glucometer. Then normal saline was given to control group, glybenclamide to group 2 and the test extract to group 3 and 4 in the doses of 200mg, 400mgs/kg body weight respectively. The blood glucose levels were taken at 2hrs, 4hrs, 6hrs and 8 hrs intervals. Blood was taken from the distal part of rat tail vein. Statistical analysis shows maximum reduction in blood glucose levels with stem extract of Benincasa hispida at 200mg/kg dose which was at 4hrs interval when compared to control group. The stem extract of Benincasa hispida has significant hypoglycemic activity. It can be tried in cases of newly diagnosed non-insulin dependent diabetic patients along with diet restriction, exercise etc.