Volume : 13, Issue : 07, July – 2026

Title:

SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF THE ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF TECOMA STANS (L.) JUSS. EX KUNTH IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES

Authors :

Khushi Upadhyay, K. Ram Prasad, Jayapal Reddy Gangadi, Manish Kumar Mishra

Abstract :

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. It has emerged as one of the leading global health concerns owing to its increasing prevalence and the development of severe complications affecting the cardiovascular, renal, nervous, and visual systems. Although several synthetic antidiabetic drugs are available, their prolonged use is often associated with adverse effects, reduced therapeutic efficacy, and high treatment costs. These limitations have prompted increasing interest in medicinal plants as potential sources of safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic agents. Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth, a member of the family Bignoniaceae, has been traditionally used in various systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. However, comprehensive scientific validation of its antidiabetic potential remains limited.
The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical composition, evaluate the safety profile, and assess the antidiabetic activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Tecoma stans using experimental animal models. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, shade dried, and extracted with 50% ethanol using the Soxhlet extraction method. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening employing standard qualitative procedures to identify the major classes of bioactive constituents. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 423. The antihyperglycemic activity of the extract was investigated using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The extract was administered orally for 28 consecutive days, and fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, food intake, and water consumption were monitored at regular intervals. Statistical analysis of the experimental data was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test.
The Soxhlet extraction process yielded 33.2% (w/v) ethanolic extract, indicating efficient extraction of ethanol-soluble phytoconstituents. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and glycosides, suggesting a chemically diverse phytochemical profile. Acute oral toxicity studies demonstrated that the extract was safe up to an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg, with no mortality or treatment-related behavioural abnormalities observed during the study period. In the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, the extract significantly improved glucose tolerance by reducing the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels. Chronic administration of the ethanolic extract to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats produced a significant and progressive reduction in fasting blood glucose levels throughout the 28-day treatment period. Furthermore, the extract effectively prevented diabetes-induced loss of body weight and improved the overall metabolic condition of diabetic animals. The antihyperglycaemic activity exhibited by the extract was comparable to that of the standard antidiabetic drug, indicating substantial therapeutic efficacy.
The findings of the present investigation demonstrate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Tecoma stans possesses significant antidiabetic activity along with a favourable safety profile in experimental animals. The observed pharmacological effects are likely attributable to the synergistic action of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins, which may enhance insulin secretion, improve peripheral glucose utilization, reduce oxidative stress, and protect pancreatic β-cells from damage. The study scientifically validates the traditional use of Tecoma stans in the management of diabetes mellitus and highlights its potential as a promising natural source for the development of plant-based antidiabetic therapeutics. Nevertheless, further phytochemical characterization, molecular investigations, long-term toxicity studies, and well-designed clinical trials are required to identify the active constituents and establish their efficacy and safety in human subjects.
Keywords: Tecoma stans; Diabetes mellitus; Streptozotocin; Ethanolic extract; Phytochemical screening; Antidiabetic activity; Herbal medicine; Wistar rats; Hyperglycaemia; Medicinal plants.

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Khushi Upadhyay et al., Scientific validation of the antidiabetic potential of ethanolic leaf extract of tecoma stans (l.) Juss. Ex kunth in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes, Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(07).

REFERENCES:

1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas. 10th ed. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation; 2021.
2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1): S1–S350.
3. World Health Organization. Global Report on Diabetes. Geneva: WHO; 2016.
4. Harborne JB. Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis. 3rd ed. Chapman & Hall; 1998.
5. Trease GE, Evans WC. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. 16th ed. Elsevier; 2009.
6. Kokate CK. Practical Pharmacognosy. 5th ed. Vallabh Prakashan; 2014.
7. Khandelwal KR. Practical Pharmacognosy: Techniques and Experiments. 25th ed. Nirali Prakashan; 2019.
8. OECD. Guideline No. 423: Acute Oral Toxicity–Acute Toxic Class Method. Paris: OECD; 2001.
9. ICH. Q1A(R2): Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products. Geneva: International Council for Harmonisation; 2003.
10. ICH. Q2(R2): Validation of Analytical Procedures. Geneva: International Council for Harmonisation; 2023.
11. Rang HP, Ritter JM, Flower RJ, Henderson G. Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020.
12. Katzung BG. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 16th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2021.
13. Ghosh MN. Fundamentals of Experimental Pharmacology. 7th ed. Hilton & Company; 2016.
14. Kulkarni SK. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. Vallabh Prakashan; 2012.
15. Vogel AI. Vogel’s Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry. 5th ed. Longman; 1989.
16. Szkudelski T. The mechanism of alloxan and streptozotocin action in β-cells of the rat pancreas. Physiol Res. 2001; 50:537–546.
17. Lenzen S. The mechanisms of alloxan and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Diabetologia. 2008; 51:216–226.
18. Bailey CJ, Day C. Traditional plant medicines as treatments for diabetes. Diabetes Care. 1989; 12:553–564.
19. Grover JK, Yadav SP. Pharmacological actions and potential uses of medicinal plants in diabetes mellitus. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2002; 81:81–100.
20. Modak M, Dixit P, Londhe J, Ghaskadbi S, Devasagayam TPA. Indian herbs and herbal drugs used for the treatment of diabetes. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2007; 40:163–173.
21. Eddouks M, Maghrani M, Lemhadri A, Ouahidi ML, Jouad H. Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used for diabetes mellitus. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2002; 82:97–103.
22. Marles RJ, Farnsworth NR. Antidiabetic plants and their active constituents. Phytomedicine. 1995; 2:137–189.
23. Li WL, Zheng HC, Bukuru J, De Kimpe N. Natural medicines used in traditional medicine for diabetes mellitus. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2004; 92:1–21.
24. Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Menichini F. Natural products as antidiabetic agents. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2010; 10:315–331.
25. Kooti W, Farokhipour M, Asadzadeh Z, Ashtary-Larky D, Asadi-Samani M. The role of medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes: A systematic review. Electron Physician. 2016; 8:1832–1842.
26. Prabhakar PK, Doble M. Mechanism of action of natural products used in diabetes mellitus. Chin J Integr Med. 2011; 17:563–574.
27. Sofowora A. Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine in Africa. 3rd ed. Spectrum Books; 2008.
28. Evans WC. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. Saunders Elsevier; 2009.
29. CPCSEA. Guidelines for Laboratory Animal Facility. New Delhi; 2023.
30. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. Indian Pharmacopoeia. Ghaziabad; 2022.
31. Aguilar-Santamaría L, Ramírez G, Nicasio P, Alegría-Reyes C, Herrera-Arellano A. Antidiabetic activities of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2009; 124:284–288.
32. Alonso-Castro AJ, et al. Tecoma stans induces glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant adipocytes. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2010; 127:1–6.
33. Anand M, Basavaraj R. A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological uses of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2021; 265:113270.
34. Omar R, Elsbaey M, Hassan M, Abd El-Salam M. Exploring ethnomedicinal uses and relevance to phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and tissue culture of Tecoma stans. Phytomedicine Plus. 2025; 5:100800.
35. Balasubramanian B, Suresha BS, Ahalya Devi KH, Niveditha KH, Kathirvel D, Sharan R. A review on Tecoma stans Juss plant. Int J Pharmacogn. 2024.
36. Govindappa M, Sadananda TS, Channabasava R, Chandrappa CP. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Tecoma stans. J Phytol. 2011; 3:68–76.
37. Krishna KL, Mruthunjaya K, Patel JA. Antioxidant and phytochemical evaluation of Tecoma stans. Int J Pharma Bio Sci. 2010; 1:1–8.
38. Salem MZM, Salem AZM, Camacho LM, Ali HM. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Tecoma stans extracts. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol. 2013; 7:1486–1493.
39. Chinsembu KC. Diabetes mellitus and nature’s pharmacy of putative antidiabetic plants. J Herb Med. 2019; 15:100230.
40. Pandey A, Tripathi S. Concept of standardization, extraction and phytochemical screening of herbal drugs. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2014; 2:115–119.
41. Costantino L, Raimondi L, Pirisino R, Brunetti T, Pessotto P, Giannessi F. Isolation and pharmacological activities of Tecoma stans alkaloids.
42. Hammouda Y, Khalafallah N. Antidiabetic effect of tecomine and tecostanine.
43. Hammouda Y, Khalafallah N. Stability of tecomine, the major antidiabetic factor of Tecoma stans.
44. Dickinson EM, Jones G. Pyrindane alkaloids from Tecoma stans.
45. Bianco A, et al. New iridoids isolated from Tecoma stans.
46. Lozoya X, Meckes M. Traditional use of Tecoma stans in Mexican medicine.
47. Hernández-Galicia E, et al. Antihyperglycaemic activity of medicinal plants used in Mexican traditional medicine.
48. Pérez RM, Ocegueda A, Muñoz JL, Ávila JG, Morrow WW. Pharmacological evaluation of Tecoma stans extracts.
49. Naranjo M, et al. Hypoglycaemic evaluation of Tecoma stans.
50. K. Pavan Kumar and M. Kannadasan. Therapeutic Horizons of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer: A Translational Perspective from Molecules to Medicine. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Biological and Chemical Sciences. 2025 14(1): 36-46. 103.
51. K. Pavan Kumar and M. Kannadasan. Intermittent Fasting and The Multifaceted Role of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 In Regulating Autophagy and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2025 18 (2): 103-114.
52. Costantino L, et al. Pharmacological evaluation of Pyrindane alkaloids from Tecoma stans.
53. DeFronzo RA, Ferrannini E, Zimmet P, Alberti G. International Textbook of Diabetes Mellitus. 5th ed.
54. Brunton LL, Hilal-Dandan R, Knoll Mann BC. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 14th ed.
55. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed.
56. Dipiro JT, Yee GC, Posey LM. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 12th ed.
57. Patel DK, Kumar R, Laloo D, Hemalatha S. Diabetes mellitus: An overview on its pharmacological aspects.
58. Bhatia R, Sharma K, Gupta A. Advances in phytopharmaceutical approaches for diabetes management. J Herb Med. 2023.
59. International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease factsheet.
60. American Diabetes Association. Pharmacologic approaches to glycaemic treatment. Diabetes Care. 2024.
61. K. Pavan Kumar and Amit Kumar. Modulation Of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 Expression by Intermittent Fasting In CRC: Links to Autophagy and Apoptosis. International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences. 2025 15 (4): 91-115.
62. K. Pavan Kumar and Amit Kumar. Intermittent Fasting-Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis in Colorectal Carcinoma: The Role of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Biological and Chemical Sciences. 2025 14 (4): 26-38.
63. Kokkula PavanKumar, Rajeev Imadi, Prasad Garrepally, S Nikitha Anthelmintic Activity of Some Medicinal Plants: A Short Review, International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences,9(2):605 611(2019).
64. Kokkula Pavan Kumar, Ampati Srinivas and Prasad Garrepally, Hyperthermia has consistently improved the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for many types of cancers, Journal of Stem cell Research and Therapeutics International, 1(003):1-3(2019).
65. Kokkula Pavan Kumar, Ampati Srinivas and Prasad Garrepally, Subcutaneous DL technique has proven to be an adequate host for human embryonic stem cells, Journal of Stem cell Research and Therapeutics International, 1(004):1-3(2019).
66. Kokkula Pavan Kumar, Boda Rambabu, Investigational studies on carcinoma in male SD rats, International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews,6(2):654-662(2019).
67. K. Pavan Kumar, G. Venkateshwarlu, Navaneeth Kumar, Mukesh Sharma, Rekha Pal, Taniya Rawat, E. Rajeswari, Wound healing activity of Indian Medicinal Plants, High Technology Letters, 28(2):1 7(2022).
68. K. Pavan Kumar, G. Venkateshwarlu, Mukesh Chandra Sharma, Govind pal, Rekha pal, Taniya Rawat, Invitro anthelmintic activity of alcoholic and methanolic extracts of seeds of Panicum miliaceum in Indian adult earthworm, High Technology Letters, 28(1): 800 809(2022).
69. World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025.
70. Anand M, Basavaraj R. Ecology, phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of Tecoma stans.
71. Recommendation for publication
72. Anand M, Basavaraj R. A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological uses of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2021; 265:113270.
73. Khattab A, Awed NE, Abdel Fadel D, Fadel M. Reviewing the reported pharmacognostic and pharmacological investigations on Tecoma stans Juss. ex Kunth. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2023;12(1):25–40.
74. Omar R, Elsbaey M, Hassan M, Abd El-Salam M. Exploring ethnomedicinal uses and relevance to phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and tissue culture of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. Phytomedicine Plus. 2025;5(2):100800.
75. Aguilar-Santamaría L, Ramírez G, Nicasio P, Alegría-Reyes C, Herrera-Arellano A. Antidiabetic activities of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2009;124(2):284–288.
76. Alonso-Castro AJ, Villarreal ML, Salazar-Olivo LA, et al. Tecoma stans induces glucose uptake in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant adipocytes. J Ethno Pharmacol. 2010; 127:1–6.
77. Costantino L, Raimondi L, Pirisino R, Brunetti T, Pessotto P, Giannessi F. Isolation and pharmacological activities of hypoglycaemic alkaloids from Tecoma stans. Phytotherapy Research.
78. Hammouda Y, Khalafallah N. Hypoglycaemic activity of tecomine isolated from Tecoma stans. Journal of Natural Products.
79. Hammouda Y, Khalafallah N. Stability studies on tecomine, the principal antidiabetic alkaloid of Tecoma stans. Planta Medica.
80. Dickinson EM, Jones G. Pyrindane alkaloids isolated from Tecoma stans. Phytochemistry.
81. Bianco A, Passacantilli P, Righi G, et al. Isolation and characterization of iridoid glycosides from Tecoma stans. Phytochemistry.
82. Ramírez G, Zamilpa A, Tortoriello J, Herrera-Arellano A. Bioactive compounds responsible for the hypoglycaemic activity of Tecoma stans. Fitoterapia.
83. Hernández-Galicia E, Aguilar-Contreras A, Aguilar-Santamaría L, et al. Studies on antihyperglycaemic medicinal plants used in Mexican traditional medicine. J Ethno Pharmacol.
84. Rodríguez de Sotillo DV, Hadley M. Chlorogenic acid modifies glucose metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity. J Nutr Biochem.
85. Ramírez G, Zavala M, Pérez J, Zamilpa A. Pancreatic lipase inhibitory flavonoids isolated from Tecoma stans. Phytochemistry.
86. Govindappa M, Sadananda TS, Channabasava R, Chandrappa CP. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Tecoma stans. J Phytol. 2011;3(3):68–76.
87. Krishna KL, Mruthunjaya K, Patel JA. Antioxidant and phytochemical evaluation of Tecoma stans leaves. Int J Pharm Bio Sci. 2010;1(2):1–8.
88. Salem MZM, Salem AZM, Camacho LM, Ali HM. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Tecoma stans extracts. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol. 2013;7(21):1486–1493.
89. Chinsembu KC. Diabetes mellitus and nature’s pharmacy of putative antidiabetic plants. J Herb Med. 2019; 15:100230.
90. Bhat MA. Remedial and phytochemical review study on Tecoma stans. Innovare Journal of Life Sciences. 2019;7(4):1–6.
91. Balasubramanian B, Suresha BS, Ahalya Devi KH, Niveditha KH, Kathirvel D, Sharan R. A review on Tecoma stans Juss. International Journal of Pharmacognosy. 2024