Comparative Antidiabetic, Hypolipidemic, and Antioxidant Properties of Phyllanthus niruri. in Normal and Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties of Phyllanthus niruri. (L) (Euphorbiaceae) were compared in normal, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) animals through evaluating the effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and antioxidant activities. The alcohol extract of Phyllanthus niruri. produced significant antidiabetic effect in IDDM alone but lowered lipid profiles and improved body antioxidant activities in both IDDM and NIDDM animals. This investigation revealed that the lipid-lowering effect of Phyllanthus niruri. is independent from its antidiabetic action.

Keywords:

• Antidiabetic
• hypolipidemic
• IDDM
• NIDDM
• Phyllanthus niruri