Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, often leading to complications such as dyslipidemia and organ damage. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects of an ethanolic plant extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Experimental rats were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + Glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg), and diabetic rats treated with ethanolic extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), biochemical profiling (glucose, lipid profile, serum creatinine, blood urea, total protein), antioxidant enzyme assays (SOD, catalase, MDA), and free radical scavenging assays (DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical) were conducted. SEM analysis was used to observe morphological changes in liver and kidney tissues.
Results: Diabetic rats showed elevated glucose, lipid abnormalities, oxidative stress, and kidney dysfunction. Treatment with the ethanolic extract, especially at 500 mg/kg, significantly improved glucose tolerance, normalized biochemical parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, and reduced oxidative damage. SEM analysis revealed restoration of normal tissue architecture in extract-treated groups, comparable to the standard drug Glibenclamide.
Conclusion: The ethanolic extract exhibited significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and nephroprotective effects in diabetic rats. These findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and its complications. Further studies are recommended to isolate active constituents and evaluate clinical safety.