Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of the ethanol seed extract of Cucumis flexuosus and Cucumis reticulatus and interrelationship between the pathophysiology of both diseases.
Methodology: This experimental comparative study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Karachi University. Diabetes was induced in healthy albino rats by intraperatonial administration of streptozotocin (60mg/kg/b.w). Three different doses (25, 50,100 mg/kg) of seed extract were administered to the animals. The treatment group was treated with Glibinclamide and control received water. After 30 days, animals were assessed for antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity by biochemical parameters.
Results: Ethanol seed extract of Cucumis flexuosus at the dose of (100mg/kg.b.w) produced more significant result (121.34±2.61mg/dl) to reduce blood glucose level as compared to the diabetic control group (401.63±2.34mg/dl). The same dose also increased serum insulin level (3.25 IU/dl). Satisfactory results were observed for hyperlipidemia and liver markers. However, Cucumis melo var. raticulatus produced less significant results at all doses.
Conclusion: Cumis melo var. flexouses at maximum doses had significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects. Therefore, this plant may be the possible source for managing hyperglycemia along with hyperlipidemia.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis flexuosus, Cucumis reticulatus.