EFFECTS OF CINNAMON EXTRACT IN DIABETIC RAT MODELS IN COMPARISON WITH ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC DRUGS

,

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anti diabetic effect of cinnamon extract in alloxan
induced diabetic animal model (albino rats) in comparison with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Study
Design: An Experimental study. Place of Study: Al Tibri Medical College, Isra University, Karachi
Campus. Duration of Study: December 2012 to December 2013. Materials and Methods: Total
60 Albino rats of both genders were divided into 6 groups consisting of 10 rats in each group.
Each group of animals was further divided into two sub groups containing 5 rats in each group
Results: The results obtained from the data indicated that there is significant reduction in blood
glucose level rats treated with low dose of cinnamon extract. The animals of low dose cinnamon
extract (200mg/kg. bw) when compared with other groups; there is a reduction in the blood
glucose level in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Also tolbutamide and acarbose treated groups
showed better antidiabetic effects as compared with cinnamon extract treated groups (p
value<0.007 and p value<0.012 respectively), but cinnamon extract treated group showed
synergetic effects when it was given in combination with tolbutamide or acarbose having
significant p value<0.001 and p value<0.011 respectively. Conclusions: Tolbutamide and
Acarbose showed better anti diabetic effect in comparison with cinnamon extract treated groups
when used individually. This effect was enhanced when cinnamon was used in combination with
either tolbutamide or acarbose.