Anti-diabetic activity of Emblica officinalis in animal models

The aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (syn: Phyllanthus emblica L.) (Euphorbiaceae) seeds was investigated for its anti-diabetic activity in animal models. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes models were used for the study. The standardized doses of 100, 200,300, and 400 mg kg(-1) body weight of the extract were administered orally to normal and diabetic rats in order to define its glycemic potential. The maximum fall of 27.3% (p < 0.001) in the blood glucose level of normal rats was observed at 6 h during fasting blood glucose studies, with the dose of 300 mg kg(-1) identified as the most effective dose. The same dose produced a fall of 25.3% (p < 0.001) in the same models during the glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 3 h after glucose administration. However, the dose of 300 mg kg(-1) of aqueous seed extract in sub- and mild-diabetic animals produced a maximum fall of 34.1 and 41.6% (p < 0.01), respectively, during the GTT at 3 h after glucose administration. This evidence clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of E officinalis seeds has definite hypoglycemic potential as well as anti-diabetic activity.