Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effect of Berberis aristata root extract and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Berberis aristata DC root is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to explore the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of 50% aqueous ethanolic root extract of Berberis aristata (BA) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: BA root extract (250 mg/kg) was administered to diabetic rats and standard drug glybenclamide (0.6 mg/kg) to group serving as positive control. Effect of extract on antioxidant and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabetic rats along with its safety parameters. Results: The main constituents of root were identified as berberine, berbamine and palmatine through HPTLC. The extract besides being safe, lowered the blood glucose significantly without any hypoglycemic effect on their control counterparts. It increased CAT, SOD, GPx, GR activity significantly and reduced lipid peroxidation (41.6%) and protein carbonylation (30.15%). It also increased the glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic rats which play a critical role in glucose homeostasis. Conclusion: Thus, the extract of Berberis sristata (root) has strong potential to regulate glucose homeostasis through decreased gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.