Evaluation of Herbal Preparations for Hypoglycemic Activity in Normal and Diabetic Rabbits

The leaf juice of Catharanthus roseus and the seed powder of fenugreek were tested for their hypoglycemic action individually and in combination in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Blood glucose was determined in all the groups before and after treatment with Catharanthus roseus and fenugreek at doses of 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 ml/kg and 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, respectively, at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 h after being fasted for 18 h. The effect was found to be dose-dependent with both the treatments at the doses administered. The percentage blood glucose reduction produced by the combination of Catharanthus roseus (0.5 ml/kg) and fenugreek (50 mg/kg) was more than the sum of their individual percent blood glucose reduction in both normal and diabetic rabbits, suggesting that the combination produced a synergistic action.