Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Effects of Ixeris dentata in Diabetic Rats

Blood glucose and total lipid levels in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were determined after intraperitoneal administration of methanolic extract of Ixeris dentat whole plants and its main component, cynaroside (=luteolin 7-O--$\beta$-D-glucoside). From the data obtained, it was concluded that intraperitoneal administration of the methanolic extract produced a significant hypoglycemic effect. Total blood lipids were also decreased. Cynaroside in the streptozotocin-diabetic rats failed to exhibit hypoglycemic effect but a significant hypolipemic activity was observed. Thus, it is suggested that this methanolic extract may contain one or more hypoglycemic and hypolipemic principles including the main flavone glucoside, cynaroside, which can significantly reduce the levels triglyceride and total cholesterol in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.