Anti diabetic activity of Heliotropium indicum

Heliotropium indicum known as Indian Heliotrope is widely distributed in South eastern ghats of Andhra Pradesh in India. Alkaloid rich fraction of H.indicum has shown significant anti hyper glycemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroidsalkaloidstriterpenes saponins and tannins in H.indicum whole plant. The alkaloid rich fraction of H.indicum was able to improve the glycemic control through increase in insulin secretion and improvement in the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. It has also ameliorated the changes in lipid metabolism and reduced the oxidative stress.