In vivo antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of Litsea fruits

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. fruits are traditionally known to cure or prevent diabetes and associated complications in Darjeeling Himalayas of West Bengal, India.
This study attempted to scientifically validate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of this plant in High Fat Diet: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Fruit extracts showed significant inhibitory activities on alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes under in vitro inhibition assays; of which methanolic extract was the most significant which was selected for in vivo studies.
Methanolic fruit extract showed no toxicity symptoms in acute oral toxicity studies, improves glucose tolerance, enhances insulin and C-peptide levels.
Histopathological studies showed significant protective /restorative effect on pancreatic beta cells and kidney.
Fruit extract significantly enhanced the hepatic glycogen content and improves the antioxidative status of the diabetic model rats.
Therefore, the experiments validated the ethnic knowledge of the people of Darjeeling Himalayan region.