Insignificant antidiabetic activity of rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic activity of Z. zerumbet in streptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The diabetic rats were given aqueous
extract of Z. zerumbet (200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) for 21 days, and their
hypoglycemic activity and effect on body weight were assessed. Result: The treatment
with aqueous extract of Z. zerumbet and glibenclamide both showed hypoglycemic
activity but efficacy of Z. zerumbet is not as significant as glibenclamide. Glibenclamide
maintain the body weight of rats throughout the study period, whereas the body weight
of Z. zerumbet-treated rats significantly falls. Conclusion: This study suggests that
aqueous extract of Z. zerumbet shows no significant activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats.