Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the prokinetic activity of Unani herbomineral
formulation (Dolabi) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its in vitro antioxidant activity. Rat
model of diabetes was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p).
Rats were divided into three groups: Normal control, diabetic control and treatment groups. After
two weeks of treatment, rats were administered with phenol red meal followed by last dose of
Dolabi and they were screened for gastric emptying (GE), intestinal transit (IT) and in vitro study
of distal colonic smooth muscle. In vitro antioxidant activity of Dolabi was assessed on the basis
of radical scavenging activity of the stable Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical.
Percentage of GE and IT was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in diabetic rat as compared to
normal control groups. In streptozotocin induced diabetic rats, Dolabi significantly (P < 0.05)
accelerated both GE and IT as compared to diabetic control rats. Significant (P<0.01) increase in
EC50 of ACh in rat distal colon was observed in diabetic rats as compared to normal rats. Where
as diabetic rats treated with Dolabi showed significant (P<0.01) decrease in EC50 of ACh in distal
colon as compared to diabetic control group. In in vitro study, Dolabi showed potent radical
scavenging activity to stable DPPH-free radical with IC50 value of 231.09. Dolabi may exert its
prokinetic effect by reducing oxidative stress and therefore can be used as drug for treating diabetic
patients with gastrointestinal impairments.

Key words: Dolabi, Unani medicine, Herbal medicine, Diabetes, Oxidative stress, Medicinal plants, Diabetic neuropathy.