CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CRUDE POLYSACCHARIDE FROM VITEX NEGUNDO LINN. LEAVES

Naturally occurring non-starch polysaccharides are known for their therapeutic value. This paper describes isolation, characterization and evaluation of glucose lowering potential of one such plant polysaccharide isolated from the leaves of the plant Vitex negundo. It was isolated and characterized using various analytical techniques and biochemical tests which confirmed the presence of carbohydrates and elements such as C, H and O. It demonstrated a reduction in glucose concentration in-vitro, however non-significant in comparison to standards. In-vivo, it was given per orally in fasting male C57 mice at 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg single dose post 30 min of which serum glucose was recorded. Glucose load was given 30 min after administering crude polysaccharide after which serum glucose concentrations were estimated at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. Obtained results suggest a non-significant reduction in AUC as well as individual glucose levels at all the time points in crude polysaccharide treated animals in comparison to vehicle control in fasting as well as glucose loaded conditions. Thus, the crude polysaccharide isolated from the leaves of V. negundo doesn't have a significant antihyperglycemic activity in single dose when given via per oral route in normal fasting as well as glucose loaded mice. It may have antihyperglycemic action on repeated dosing in glucose loaded diabetic animals, which needs further investigation. However, this paper is first to study anti-hyperglycemic potential of crude polysaccharide from leaves of V. negundo.