Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus racemosa bark in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Keywords:
Ficus racemosa, phytochemical screening, antidiabetic activity, streptozotocin, β-cell regeneration, plant-based medicineAbstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by persistent high blood glucose due to impaired insulin secretion, action, or both. It is a major global health challenge, with prevalence expected to rise from 537 million in 2021 to over 783 million by 2045. Type 2 diabetes mellitus constitutes over 90% of cases and is strongly associated with lifestyle and genetic factors. It leads to serious complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases, which impose significant burdens on healthcare systems and reduce patients’ quality of life. Despite various pharmacological treatments, managing diabetes long-term is difficult due to side effects, cost, and the progressive need for combination therapies or insulin. This has sparked interest in alternative therapies, especially plant-based treatments that may offer fewer side effects and additional benefits. Ficus racemosa L., or cluster fig, is traditionally used to treat diabetes and other ailments. Its bark contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and glycosides, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties. However, scientific evidence supporting the antidiabetic effects of its ethanolic bark extract is limited. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antidiabetic potential of Ficus racemosa bark ethanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Parameters such as fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers, and pancreatic histology will be assessed to examine β-cell protection or regeneration. The results are expected to validate traditional claims and support the use of Ficus racemosa in diabetes management, especially in resource-poor settings.
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