Comparison between 70% aquaethanolic cinnamon extract effect and glimepiride on blood glucose levels among alloxaninduced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of blood
glucose which leads over time to serious damages to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. The
most common is type 2 which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough
insulin (1). Cinnamon (Girffa) extract is known to reduce postprandial glycemia by stimulating insulin action
to uptake glucose by the cells.
Methodology: It was an experimental study performed on 20 albino rats weigting 150 to 200 gms. On 15
of them diabetes was induced using alloxan .After fasting for 8 hours, basal blood glucose was measured
and all rats were given standard meal and then the effect of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg of 70% aquaethanolic
extract of cinnamon on blood glucose level one and two hours thereafter was compared with the effect of
glimiperide.
Results: Cinnamon aquaethanolic extract in a dose of 250mg/kg reduced glucose concentration significantly
(p=0.043) by 25% after one hour and by 11% after two hours. When a dose of 500mg/kg was given, the
glucose level was reduced by 19% and 11% after one and two hours respectively (p=0.002, and 0.005). No
adverse effect was noticed. Cinnamon extract was as effective as glimiperide.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that cinnamon extract may be used as a natural postprandial
hypoglycemic agent