Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Alpinia officinarum on nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats.

Alpinia officinarum Hance, commonly known as lesser galangal, is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) traditionally used for many decades to treat inflammation, pain, stomach ache and cold. In the present study, the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. officinarum (AO) were investigated in the nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into following six groups: Group I was normal control rats. Group II: normal diabetic control, Group III: Diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), IV, V and VI: Diabetic rats treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg AO hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage for 28 days, respectively. At the end of treatment, biochemical analysis, histological study, phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity tests were carried out. The results show significant reduction in blood glucose, serum lipid profiles, and liver enzyme levels in diabetic rats compared with diabetic control in AO treated group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AO extract had significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemia effects in addition to hepatoprotective effect in type II diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]