INTERACTION OF A HERBOMINERAL PREPARATION D-400, WITH ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC DRUGS

D-400, a herbomineral preparation has proven antidiabetic activity in experimental models as well as in clinical trials. The possibility of concomitant use of this drug with sulphonylureas was explored in anima l models. D-400 has been investigated for its interaction with oral hy poglycaemic agents namely, tolbutamide and glibenclamide in alloxan-in duced diabetic rabbits. Administration of D-400 at a dose of 1 g/kg fo r 15 days significantly elevated plasma tolbutamide and glibenclamide concentrations with simultaneous reduction of blood glucose. Plasma to lbutamide and glibenclamide concentrations were significantly lowered after withdrawal of D-400 treatment. Elevation of plasma concentration of tolbutamide was observed only for the first 4 h after which it dec lined towards normal levels and no significant difference between D-40 0 treated and control group was observed at the end of 8 h. Significan t elevation of plasma glibenclamide levels was observed at 2, 4 and 8 h with D-400 treatment. Incubation, of D-400 with tolbutamide in plasm a resulted in a significant increase in free tolbutamide levels.