In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity and Histopathological Safety Assessment of Leea asiatica Methanolic Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Keywords:
Leea asiatica, diabetes mellitus, streptozotocin, phytochemicals, antidiabetic activityAbstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus affects millions globally with projections indicating continued increase, creating urgent demand for safe therapeutic alternatives. Leea asiatica, traditionally used across Southeast Asia for managing hyperglycemia, remains scientifically underexplored despite ethnomedicinal significance. Current antidiabetic medications present limitations including adverse effects and incomplete pathophysiology management. This study evaluated the antidiabetic efficacy and safety profile of L. asiatica methanolic extract in diabetic rats.
Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups following ethical approval. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin injection, with treatment groups receiving L. asiatica extract at two doses orally for twenty-one days, compared with normal control, diabetic control, and metformin standard groups. Phytochemical screening employed standard analytical methods for major bioactive compounds. Assessments included fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and hepatorenal function markers. Histopathological examination utilized hematoxylin-eosin staining. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA with post-hoc testing.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed significant flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. High-dose treatment achieved substantial blood glucose reduction comparable to metformin efficacy. Serum insulin levels increased significantly with improved glycated hemoglobin values. Lipid profile improvements included reduced cholesterol and triglycerides with increased high-density lipoprotein. Hepatorenal function markers normalized dose-dependently. Histopathological examination demonstrated pancreatic islet regeneration and organ protection without toxicity.
Conclusion: L. asiatica demonstrates significant antidiabetic efficacy through multiple mechanisms with excellent safety profile. The extract's comprehensive metabolic effects suggest potential as natural diabetes management approach. Future research should focus on clinical translation and bioactive compound development.
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