Evaluation Of Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Root Extract of Bridelia Retusa

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications affecting multiple organs. Medicinal plants continue to be explored as potential antidiabetic agents because of their traditional use and perceived safety. The present study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic root extract of Bridelia retusa in alloxan-induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). Blood glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase–peroxidase strips. Oral administration of the ethanolic root extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. In the acute study, the extract reduced blood glucose by 29.4% and 38.4% at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, after 4 h, while glibenclamide (0.66 mg/kg) produced a 48.7% reduction. In the 21-day prolonged study, the 500 mg/kg dose showed a more pronounced antihyperglycemic effect than the 250 mg/kg dose, with significant reductions observed from day 14 onward. The results indicate that the ethanolic root extract of Bridelia retusa possesses significant antidiabetic activity and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for the management of diabetes mellitus.