GC-MS, Radicals Scavenging Capacity and Antidiabetic Effect of Senna alata Seed Extract in Type II-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats

Background and Objective: Senna alata (candle bush) is an important medicinal plant and it’s also an ornamental flowering plant in the sub-family of Caesalpinioideae. This study evaluated the phytochemical, free radicals scavenging activity and antidiabetic effect of Senna alata seed extract in an animal model of Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and Methods: The GC-MS profiling and DPPH radical scavenging activity for antioxidants of the extract were carried out. Animals were made diabetic by the administration of Streptozotocin (STZ). Consequently, they were treated with varying doses of the extract and specific doses of the standard drug. Results: The presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds was detected in the extract. Increased scavenging activities were observed at 40 μg mL‾¹ concentrations for hexane and methanol with 9.23 and 43.35% inhibition, respectively. The hyperglycaemic examination revealed that there was a significant reduction in the glycaemic index of the animals treated with Senna alata seed extract comparable with Glibenclamide. Conclusion: This research justifies the empirical use of Senna alata seed extracts in the treatment of hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients.