Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Abutilon indicum (AI) was investigated in glucocorticoid (dexamethasone 8 mg/kg b. wt.,) injected male wistar rats. The AI leaf extracts at a dose of 400mg/kg b. wt., and reference standard drug pioglitazone (PIO) 45mg/kg b. wt., injected to the respective groups for 21 days was able to significantly regulate the serum glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the glucocorticoids injected. Quite interestingly the results attained with the treatment of AI extract were comparable with the results of PIO treated rats. Anti-hyperglycemic effects attributed with the treatment of AI extract may be due to the presence of one or more Phytoconstituents that were identified in the AI which is involved in the regulates the glucose and effects on insulin. Our study supports the traditional usage of the whole plant of AI by Ayurvedic physicians for the control of diabetes. Hence it might help in preventing the complications of diabetes and serves as a good adjuvant in the present armamentarium of anti-diabetic drugs.

Abutilon Indicum, Antidiabetic activity, Glucocorticoids, Dexamethasone