Assessment Of Biological Activities Of Cissus Rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl. Growing In Yemen

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effects of the ethanolic extract and its fractions (methylene chloride and n-butanol) prepared from the dried leaves and stems of C. rotundifolia, on antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant and protection against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis. All the tested samples showed significant in vitro a-glucosidase inhibitory activity with methylene chloride fraction showed the highest activity and exhibited antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging activity. In in vivo study, all the tested samples exhibited significant antidiabetic activity; with n-butanol fraction (300 mg/kg, p.o.) showed the most potent activity. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were also observed. In addition, a significant reduction of malondialdehyde and increase of glutathione contents in the liver tissue in STZ diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract and n-butanol fraction (300 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant increase in serum calcium and phosphorus levels in vivo study in protection against glucocorticoid-induced secondary osteoporosis in rats. The high content of total phenolic and flavonoids contents supported the above results. In conclusion, the present study justified and proved the traditional use of C. rotundifolia in Yemen for the treatment of type II diabetes.