Synergistic Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Balanites aegyptiaca in Managing Hyperglycemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Diabetic Rats.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if not managed effectively. Recent interest has grown in exploring the potential of probiotics and prebiotics as complementary therapies. This study investigates the combined effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and the prebiotic Balanites aegyptiaca on blood glucose levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods: A total of 40 male rats (100-110 g; 8-10 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups: a normal control group, a diabetic control group, and diabetic groups treated with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Balanites aegyptiaca, or their combination. The mice in the diabetic groups were orally treated with 28.5 mg/kg of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Balanites aegyptiaca, or both twice daily for 30 days. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione Stransferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, were assessed. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) were also evaluated.

Results: The combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Balanites aegyptiaca significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats from 295 mg/dl to 114 mg/dl, outperforming the effects of either treatment alone. Antioxidant enzyme activities were markedly enhanced in the combined treatment group, indicating reduced oxidative stress. The combined therapy also significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the diabetic control group. Furthermore, lipid profiles showed improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the combined treatment group, even in a high-lipid diet.

Conclusion: The combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Balanites aegyptiaca reduced hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in diabetic rats, suggesting potential as a complementary diabetes therapy.