Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of ethanolic seed extracts of Citrullus lanatus

Background: Diabetes is one of the most serious, chronic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is becoming the third “killer” of the health of mankind after cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting about 220 million people worldwide. A number of plants have been described in Ayurveda for the management of diabetes. The present study was aimed to find out the hypoglycemic and non-toxic effect of Citrullus lanatus seed extracts. Materials and Methods: In acute toxicity study, there was no mortality observed up to the maximum dose level of 2000 mg/kg body weight of the extract after administered orally. After toxicity studies the various extracts of plant were used for hypoglycaemic activity in which the ethanolic extract showed very good reduction in blood glucose level. From that three doses were selected for oral glucose tolerance test and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic seed extract showed better glycaemic control. Hence antidiabetic studies were conducted with 400 mg/kg dose level for 30 days and the tissues antioxidant levels and histopathological studies were carried out by using standard protocols. Results: The ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus helps to maintain the antioxidant level in various organs and also helps to protect the organs from oxidative damage. Conclusion: From our study, the ethanolic seed extract of Citrullus lanatus controls the blood glucose level and also helps to prevent the organ from oxidative damage. Hence it can be used in the management of diabetes mellitus.