Hypoglycaemic activity of hydroethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L in diabetic rats

This study aims to determine the antihyperglycemic of the hydroethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L to blood glucose levels and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in serum of diabetic rats. Rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetes, and treatment groups with doses of 250, 375, and 500 mg/kg body weights. All treatment groups received hydroethanolic root extracts of R. tuberosa L for 21 days by oral administration. The results of the characterization of the extracts showed that the secondary metabolite compounds contained in hydroethanolic root extracts of R tuberosa L were phytosterol compounds (ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol). The results showed a decrease in blood glucose levels by 54.56%, 37.70%, and 16.79%, for treatment doses of 250, 375, and 500 mg/kg body weights, respectively, in day 21. The MDA levels in serum were measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry method. Results show that the most effective therapy doses for decreasing MDA level activities was at 250 mg/kg body weight in the amount of 40%. In summary, hydroethanolic root extracts of R tuberosa L have the potential to be used as a natural cure for diabetes. (paper)