Scientific validation of toxicological and anti-hyperglycemic effect of Bambusa tulda leaf

Bambusa tulda (Poaceae) is one of the most valuable bamboo species in terms of health-promoting effects. The goal of this research work was to carry out the in-vivo acute toxicity, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative activities of hydro-methanolic extract of B. tulda leaves. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the hydro-methanolic extract of B. tulda leaves was found to be 6088.13 mg/kg body weight in mice. Supplementing the low (100 mg/kg) and high dose (200 mg/kg) of B. tulda leaf extract showed significant elevation in the endogenous enzymes level of superoxide dismutase (24.81%) and glutathione peroxidase (31.60%) with a decline in malondialdehyde levels (21.90%) when compared to untreated alloxan-induced diabetic control rats. The histopathological assessment of pancreas also showed an increase in β-cells, though not at a significant level. Hence the presence of phyto-constituents substantiates the pharmacological activities of hydro-methanolic extract of B. tulda leaf particularly as a potential candidate for anti-diabetic activity. However, detailed studies are needed to elucidate its exact mechanism of action against diabetes.