Anti-diabetic effect of extracts of persea americana seeds and artocarpus heterophyllus lam seeds in wistar albino rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic and progressive metabolic disorder, is a major global health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The increasing prevalence of diabetes calls for effective and affordable therapeutic options. Medicinal plants have gained considerable attention as potential sources of natural remedies for various diseases, including diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam (AH) and Persea americana (PA) seed extracts in Wistar Albino rats. The extracts of AH and PA seeds were prepared using water and ethanol as solvents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins in both water and ethanolic extracts. These compounds are known for their potential antidiabetic properties, making the extracts promising candidates for diabetes management. In an experimental study, 27 healthy Wistar Albino rats were used to assess the antidiabetic effects of the extracts. The rats were divided into nine groups and treated with different formulations, including individual and mixed extracts in both water and ethanol solutions. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored at regular intervals over a period of 15 days. Results demonstrated that both water and ethanolic extracts of PA seeds significantly reduced blood glucose levels. Water extract of AH seeds also showed significant antidiabetic effects, while ethanolic extract of AH seeds exhibited moderate effectiveness. The mixture of PA and AH seed extracts in water showed particularly promising results, with the rats showing signs of healing comparable to those treated with the positive control drug, glibenclamide. In conclusion, the study findings support the potential of AH and PA seed extracts as natural remedies for diabetes management. The identified phytochemicals, such as phenolics and flavonoids, likely contribute to their antidiabetic effects by enhancing insulin secretion, reducing insulin resistance, and promoting glucose metabolism. Further research is warranted to identify and quantify the specific active compounds and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. AH and PA seed extracts hold great promise as potential therapeutic options for diabetes management. Their natural origin, coupled with the observed antidiabetic effects, presents an exciting avenue for the development of safe and effective complementary therapies in the fight against diabetes.