Traditional chinese medicine as a source of anti-diabetic agents: Investigating the potential of Leptadenia reticulata and Marsdenia tenacissima roots

Abstract

Background

Diabetes mellitus, a globally prevalent metabolic disorder, often requires treatments focused on glycemic control but with limited long-term efficacy and side effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic alternative, addressing metabolic imbalances and preventing complications. This study explores the antidiabetic potential of Leptadenia reticulata (Jivanti) and Marsdenia tenacissima (Tong-guang-san) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods and Materials

The root's ethanolic and aqueous ethanolic extracts (8:2) were prepared using a static maceration process. The α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibition, and anti-glycation assay were performed using the extracts (50 to 300 µg/mL). Further, the extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) were subjected to in-vivo anti-diabetic activity in Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed, and the fasting blood glucose, biochemical parameters, and lipid profile were measured. After the experimental conditions, the rats were sacrificed for pathological changes in the kidney, pancreas, and liver.

Main Findings

The ethanolic extract of L. reticulata (IC₅₀ -106.414 µg/mL) showed good inhibition of α-amylase compared to the standard acarbose (IC₅₀ -120.74 µg/mL). While ethanolic extract of M. tenacissima showed excellent inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ -89.645 µg/mL), and anti-glycation activity (IC₅₀ -99.66 µg/mL) at 300 µg/mL exhibiting postprandial hypoglycemic effect. The OGTT test revealed that the ethanolic extracts of the roots of both plants at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w dose reduced the elevated blood glucose level and restored the elevated liver parameters significantly (p < 0.001). The group treated with ethanolic extract of L. reticulata and M. tenacissima at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w showed amelioration of the elevated parameters of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins to baseline state significantly (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the histopathological studies showed restoration of a bunch of β-cells, which stimulated the insulin and glucose uptake by tissue, thus reducing the glucose load and increasing clearance.

Principal Conclusion

These investigations revealed the anti-diabetic potential of the L. reticulata and M. tenacissima root extracts, which warrants further clinical and molecular studies to make them applicable to the management of diabetes.