Antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effect of Ficus racemosa leaves

Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ficus racemosa in both normal and alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus under light ether anesthesia before and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after the oral administration of 100, 200, and 300 /kg doses. Blood glucose was analyzed by glucose-oxidase method using a visible spectrophotometer. Results: Graded doses of the alcoholic extract when given to both normal and diabetic rats produce significant reductions in blood glucose at the 6 h after ethanolic extract administration (P < 0.001). The effect was found to be dose dependent with all treatments at the doses administered. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicated a significant antidiabetic activity of the leaves of Ficus racemosa and supports the traditional usage of fruits by the Ayurvedic physicians for the control of diabetes .