<div>A recent survey has demonstrated that traditional healers and herbalists frequently use Nelumbo nucifera plant to treat diabetes. The plant investigated here has been previously reported as natural folk medicine, but until now no scientific investigation of potential anti-diabetic effects have been reported. Plant leaves of Nelumbo nucifera were screened out for quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, in-vitro anti-diabetic activity (Alpha-amylase inhibitory assay) and In-vivo anti-diabetic assay of animals (rabbits). Quantitative analysis indicates that different phytochemicals were present in plant leaves extract/fractions. In-vitro antidiabetic analysis results poses that butanol fraction is significantly more active than other fractions or extract in antihyperglycemic activity with minimum IC50 value of 8.56&micro;g/ml. For In-vivo anti-diabetic assay, animals (rabbits) were examined and animals were divided into 10 groups and except blank group all were treated with standard and plant extracts/fractions doses (25mg and 50mg per Kg body weight) as an aqueous suspension. Their blood sugar level was thoroughly recorded with a glucometer before the administration of sample and standard drug. Alloxan Monohydrate was administrated orally (as an ice-cold water solution) at dose rate 150mg/kg body weight for one week to make animals hyperglycemic. In-vivo analysis indicates that butanol fraction is the most active fraction in antihyperglycemic activity. So Leaves of N. nucifera can be used as antidiabetic remedy. So, it is strongly recommended that N. nucifera leaves should be elucidated further for isolation of active phytochemicals. &nbsp;</div>


<div>Phytochemical Screening, In-vitro and In-vivo Anti-diabetic Activity of <em>Nelumbo nucifera</em> Leaves against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits</div>


<p style="text-align: justify;">A study was conducted to assess the thyroid hormones and lipid profile in Labrador Retriever male dogs presented to the Veterinary College Hospital, Bengaluru for routine health check up and vaccination. Based on their age, they were randomly divided into Group I, Group II and Group III that consisted of one to three years age (young age), more than three years to six years age (middle age) and more than six to nine years age (old age), respectively. In all the dogs the body weight was recorded. The profile of thyroid hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and &nbsp;Thyroxine (T4) were estimated by using ELISA kits. The lipid profile parameters such as triglycerides, cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were estimated by using biochemical reagent kits. The values of LDL and VLDL cholesterol were calculated by using Friedewald formula. Further, the blood glucose level was estimated using the Glucochek&reg; glucometer and serum total protein level by using reagent kit. Results revealed that the increased body weight was observed as age advanced. The T3 levels did not vary significantly among different age groups. Whereas, in the advanced age groups there was reduction in T4 levels and increase in TSH levels which was suggestive of hypothyroidism. Triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL levels were significantly higher in older dogs followed by middle age group compared to young age group. However, the alterations in blood glucose and serum total protein levels were non significant between different age groups. It was concluded that the Labrador Retriever male dogs could be more prone to hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia and therefore master health check-up could be taken up at least once in a year as a precautionary measure to avoid complications of hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia.</p>


Phytochemical Screening, In-vitro and In-vivo Anti-diabetic Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Leaves against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits

Thyroid hormones and lipid profile in Labrador Retriever male dogs