ABSTRACT:
Praecitrullus fistulosus, commonly known as round melon or Tinda is a climbing herb known for its edible fruits. The entire immature fruits are rich in phytochemicals of both beneficial as well as pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of Praecitrullus fistulosus fruit extract in STZ-induced experimental diabetic rats. The phytochemical screening of the Praecitrullus fistulosus fruit extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phytosterol and diterpenes. The effect of oral administration of Praecitrullus fistulosus fruit extract (300mg/kg b.w.) on the levels of biochemical parameters were determined in experimental groups of rats. The altered levels of biochemical parameters in the diabetic rats were significantly reverted back to near basal values upon treatment with the fruit extract. The levels of glycogen content, the activities of glycogen metabolizing enzymes were improved upon the extract treatment. The altered activities of serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase were restored to normalcy. The levels of lipid peroxides in the plasma and pancreatic tissues of diabetic rats were elevated significantly and were normalized by the administration of fruit extract. The activities of pancreatic antioxidants and the levels of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants were markedly declined in the diabetic rats. Upon treatment with fruit extract to diabetic rats, decreased levels were elevated to near normal values. The results of the study indicate that Praecitrullus fistulosus fruit extract possesses antidiabetic and antioxidant property. The results are comparable with gliclazide, an oral standard hypoglycemic drug. The phytochemicals present in the Praecitrullus fistulosus fruit extract may account for the observed pharmacological properties.