Effect of Alcoholic Catechin Extract on Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia and Liver Functions in Alloxan Diabetic Mice

Abstract

The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of the hydro-ethanolic catechin extract toward blood glucose, lipid profile and liver functions in alloxan diabetic mice. 50 healthy mice (25-30 g) were divided into five groups of ten animals for each. Group A received normal saline as normal control group. To induce diabetes, alloxan (150 mg/kg), intraperitoneal (i.p.) single dose was injected to groups B, C, D and E. Group B represents diabetic control group. Groups C, D and E received ethanolic catechin extract (30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) for different periods of 1, 2 and 3 weeks as treated groups. Blood glucose, serum lipids [Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TGs) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)], asparagine transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated after one, two and three weeks. Group B showed a significant increase in blood glucose, TC, TGs, AST, ALT and ALP as compared to group A. Groups C, D, and E showed a significant decrease in mentioned serum biochemical parameters in comparison to group B. In contrast, groups C, D and E showed significant increase in serum HDL as compared to B group. The results clearly revealed that ethanolic catechin extract possesses significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities together with its ability to improve liver functions in alloxan diabetic mice.