Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Cucurbita maxima Duchense (Pumpkin) Seeds on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and alcohol extract of seeds of Cucurbita maxima for its purported use in diabetes. The antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of different extracts of Cucurbita maxima seeds was evaluated in wistar albino rats against streptozotocin (50 mg/kg i.p.) at dose of 200 mg/kg p.o. for 21 days. Glibenclamide (500μg/kg) was used as reference drug. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured on day 0, 7, 14 and 21. It was found that blood glucose concentration was significantly (P<0.05) decreased compared to control. In addition, oral administration of Cucurbita maxima significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides and at the same time markedly increased serum insulin and HDL-cholesterol levels. Administration of glibenclamide, a reference drug also produced a significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thus, the results of this experimental study shows that Cucurbita maxima possess antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect and is able to ameliorate the diabetic state and is a source of potent antidiabetic agent.