Studies on the Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf in Long-Evans Rats

The study was carried out to evaluate the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder. In rats, hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding High Fat Diet (Lab diet: Dalda: Coconut oil = 4:3:1) and type 2 diabetes was built inside by injecting Alloxan. The sample N. nucifera leaf powder was added in different percentages with the regular Lab Diet for 21 days feeding. In case of hyperlipidemia developed groups, feeding of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder at, 30% (70% Lab diet + 30% Sample), 20% (80% Lab diet + 20% Sample) and 10% (90% Lab diet + 10% Sample) showed varied but in a nutshell significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-Cholesterol levels when compared to control group while HDL-Cholesterol level was augmented significantly (p < 0.05). Daily feeding of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder for 21 days resulted significant decrease in the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Both the percentages of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder having 20% with 80% Lab Diet and 10% with 90% Lab Diet significantly (p < 0.05) decreased blood glucose level up to 44% and 33% respectively where the higher percentage of Nelumbo nucifera powder was found to be exerted to the more prominent effects in lowering the blood glucose level. Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder had 75% efficacy rate in lowering the blood glucose level in comparison to the drug control group treated with glibenclamide which was found with the decreasing capability up to 66%. Although not significant, it, based on the data, can be stated that the sample is endowed with the quality of decreasing capability of body weight. Thus, results of the experimental study reveal that the leaf of Nelumbo nucifera has potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.