Phytochemical, Antidiabetic, and Cytoprotective Properties of Berberis aristata DC. Root Extracts

ABSTRACT

The present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic, and cytoprotective properties of Berberis aristata DC. (Berberidaceae) root extracts. After phytochemical evaluation of various extracts of B. aristata roots, the ethanol extract was found to be rich in phytochemicals with the presence of alkaloid determined by the thin layer chromatography; hence ethanol extract was selected for further study. Administration of ethanol extract of B. aristata roots in diabetic rats showed dose dependent reduction in hyperglycemia. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), serum creatinine and blood urea were significantly decreased in diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control rats.