PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF QUISQUALIS INDICA BARK EXTRACT: PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, SAFETY, AND ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY IN CHOLESTEROL-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The present study investigates the Phytochemical profile, safety, and anti-diabetic potential of Quisqualis indica bark extract using cholesterol-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Initial pharmacognostic evaluation revealed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values, and extractive yields were determined in accordance with Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia standards. Acute oral toxicity studies confirmed the extract’s safety at 200 mg/kg, with no signs of behavioural or physiological abnormalities. In a 15-day treatment protocol, diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg doses of the extract exhibited significant reductions in fasting blood glucose levels, improved serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST, cholesterol, total protein), and moderate gains in body weight, indicating therapeutic benefit. The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect comparable to standard antidiabetic medication. These findings suggest that Quisqualis indica possesses promising anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective properties, supporting its potential development as a natural therapeutic agent.