Antidiabetic Potential and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken

Introduction: Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken., also known as Lac tree, is a traditional plant used to treat different ailments since ancient time. The folkloric use of this plant as hypoglycemics is still un-revealed scientifically. So, the present study includes the in-vivo evaluation of hypoglycemic activity with HPTLC fingerprinting, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the extracts of the plant. Methods: Ethanolic extract of the plant (SOE) was subjected for phytochemical screening and HPTLC finger printing (using CAMAG LINOMAT 5 instrument). For the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were treated with glibenclamide (0.5mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) of the plant. Acute and chronic studies were performed for the evaluation of blood glucose levels. Results: The presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics and flavonoids were confirmed in the preliminary phytochemical screening. Quantitative screening of total tannins (6.15±4.20), total flavonoids (25.13±3.21) and total phenolic compounds (48.09±2.58) were reported. HPTLC fingerprinting analysis of SOE affirmed the presence of quercetin. Conclusion: The positive outcome was observed in the results of hypoglycemic activity, as all the treatments significantly decreased blood glucose level. During the study, SOE and glibenclamide maintained the body weight of the rats while diabetic control reduced the body weight by 11.33%. In support of its traditional use Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken. was proved to be a potent antidiabetic herbal plant.