Abstract

ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF A SIMPLE ASCIDIAN, PHALLUSIA NIGRA

*D. Shanmuga Priya, H. Kohila Subathra Christy, S. Sankaravadivu, C. Stella Packiam

Abstract

Phallusia nigra is a simple ascidian belonging to the family Ascidiidae occurring as the major component of fouling community on the hull of ships, piers, pilings, harbour installations and materials used for aquaculture operations in the Tuticorin Port Area. The ethanolic extract of Phallusia nigra was studied for antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats by oral administration of extract (200 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days. The effect was compared with oral dose of 0.5 mg/kg Glibenclamide. Blood glucose levels were determined by GOD-POD kit method. The result shows the ethanolic extract of Phallusia nigra significantly lowered the blood glucose of hyperglycemic rats.

Keywords: Phallusia nigra, antidiabetic activity, streptozotocin.