Hypolipidemic evaluation of Averrhoa bilimbi leaf ethanolic extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Averrhoa bilimbi belongs to the family Oxalidaceae is a common plants found in the southern part of India. Their fruits were edible and it is consumed by the public. Traditionally various parts of these plants especially fruits and leaves were widely used by the ethnic communities in the treatment of various disorders. Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death at least in the developed countries because of various reasons including changing food habits and various other factors. The role of lipids like Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins in this disorder is widely established. Here an attempt is made to screen the leaf ethanolic extract of this plant towards anti hyperlipidemic property on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The plants were collected and authentified and dried with special care. Extraction was done by using soxhlet apparatus with 90% ethanol as the solvent. Qualitative phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of glycoside, tannins and phenolics, Flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes and carbohydrates. In the antihyperlipidemic activity on Streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model all the doses of extracts tested showed significant results. In fact in some parameters the ethanolic fraction at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight was found to be more potent than the standard drug Atorvastatin on various parameters.