Anti-diabetic and wound healing potential of Benincasa hispida in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Benincasa hispida (B.hispida) is a potential bioactive herb with a wide range of pharmacological actions.  Diabetes wound healing effect of effect of B.hispida is not clear. Hence the study was planned to investigate the antidiabetic and wound healing activities of methanolic and petroleum ether of B.hispida on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intra peritoneal injection of Streptozocin (60mg/kg). The antidiabetic activity was studied at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) of plant extracts. In this study, STZ intoxicated rats displayed increased blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation and decreased level of antioxidants. Further, lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL were significantly increased and HDL was significantly decreased in STZ diabetic rats. Treatment with B.hispida methanolic and petroleum extracts at the dose of 100 and 200mg/kg showed significant antidiabetic activity. Further, in wounded rats, B.hispida significantly increased the wound contraction rate and shorten the period of epithelization. In conclusion, B.hispida showed a significant antidiabetic and wound activities mediated through its antioxidant effect.