Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect of Brassica juncea diet and their effect on hepatic glycogen content and the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism

Plants in the form of food or other remedial forms have been used for the treatment of various human ailments. Diabetes is one such disorder in which various form of plants and herbal remedies have been tried. Brassica juncea (BJ) seeds (Rai) are consumed in India as a spice in various food items. Previous studies have shown the hypoglycemic effect of this plant in rats. The present study was undertaken to study the hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic of various strengths (5, 10 and 15%) of BJ seed diet in alloxan and streptozotocin induced diabetes in albino rats. In addition, key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism (glucokinase – EC 2.7.1.1, hexokinase – EC 2.7.1.1, and phosphofructokinase – EC 2.7.1.11) and hepatic glycogen content was also assessed to understand the mechanism of action. BJ diet (10 and 15%) showed significant anti-hyperglycemic effect in alloxan (35 mg/kg) but not in STZ (60 mg/kg) rats. It also failed to modulate the hepatic glycogen content and enzyme activities.