Antidiabetic Activity of Pandanus odoratissimus Root Extract

The aqueous ethanolic extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (Pandanaceae) root was tested for its effect on blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. Hypoglycemia was observed in basal conditions when tested at an oral dose of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. The ethanolic extract has displayed a significant dose-dependent antihyperglycemic activity in oral glucose tolerance test and also found to reduce the increased blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (37% at 150 mg/kg and 51% at 300 mg/kg body weight). Chronic administration (10 days) of the ethanolic extract of root significantly reduced the blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract was also found to reduce the increased blood urea, inhibit the body weight reduction and leucopenia induced by alloxan administration. The ethanolic extract was found to effectively scavenge the DPPH and lipid peroxide free radicals in vitro with an IC50 value of 10 and 8 mu g/ml, respectively. The preliminary phytochemical examination reveals the presence of flavanoids and tannins, which may be attributed to observed antioxidant and significant antihyperglycemic properties.