Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidative properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) against streptozotocin-induced diabetes and oxidative stress in Wistar albino male rats.

Abstract

Background and aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin insufficiency and hyperglycemia, often leading to complications such as oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and organs damage. Sage (Salvia officinalis L.), a medicinal plant with rich antioxidant and bioactive compounds, has shown promise in managing diabetes and related complications. This study investigates the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidative effects of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of S. officinalis leaves at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight in Wister albino male rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes and oxidative stress.

Materials and methods: Wistar albino male rats (n = 49) were divided into seven groups: Normal control, diabetes-induced control (STZ), metformin-treated (50 mg/kg/day), and groups treated with AE (400 and 800 mg/kg/day) and EE (400 and 800 mg/kg/day). Parameters assessed included weight gain percentage, random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profiles, liver and kidney function markers, oxidative stress biomarkers (glutathione [GSH], catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], malonaldehyde [MDA]), and histopathological examination of the pancreas.

Results: AE and EE significantly reduced RBG and FBG and improved weight gain recovery. At 800 mg/kg, AE and EE effectively reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), and very LDL-C (VLDL-C) while increasing high-density lipoproteins cholesterol more than 400 mg/kg doses or metformin. Liver and kidney functions were restored with high-dose AE and EE showing superior efficacy. Antioxidant biomarkers (GSH, CAT, and SOD) were significantly enhanced, while MDA levels were reduced. Histopathological analysis confirmed restoration of islets of Langerhans and acinar cells to near-normal conditions in treated groups.

Conclusion: The AE and EE of S. officinalis demonstrated potent antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidative properties, offering significant potential as a natural therapeutic option for managing diabetes and oxidative stress-related complications.