Impact of fig leaf extract (Ficus carica L.) on GLUT-2 expression in pancreatic b cells and hepatic cells of Wistar rats induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide.

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to impaired carbohydrate metabolism. GLUT-2 , a key glucose transporter, regulates glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. Medicinal plants, such as fig leaves ( Ficus carica L .), have shown potential as antidiabetic agents.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of fig leaf extract on GLUT-2 expression in pancreatic β and hepatic cells, as well as fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in Wistar rats induced with streptozotocin and nicotinamide (STZ-NA).

Material and methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Treatment groups received fig leaf extract at doses of 300, 500, and 700 mg/kg body weight for a period of two weeks. A glimepiride-treated group served as the positive control. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and after treatment. GLUT-2 expression was assessed using ELISA.

Results: Fig leaf extract significantly reduced FBG levels and increased GLUT-2 expression in both pancreatic and hepatic cells. However, these effects were not statistically significant when compared to the control group. Higher extract doses showed greater trends toward glycemic improvement.

Conclusions: Fig leaf extract may have beneficial effects in lowering FBG and enhancing GLUT-2 expression in STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats. The data on glucose levels suggest a statistically insignificant trend toward decreased glucose levels. Although the observed improvements were not statistically significant, the trends suggest potential antidiabetic activity, particularly at higher doses. The lack of significance may be attributed to the dosage of the extract used in this study.