The Synergistic Effect of Two Remedial Plant Extracts on Hyperglycemia and Selected Associated Complications in Streptozotocin-induced Rats

Abstract

Abstract The study investigated the synergistic effects of remedial plant extracts from Musa accuminata (banana) and Momordica charantia (bitter melon) on hyperglycemia and associated complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats—a widely accepted model for studying diabetes mellitus and its complications. Diabetes mellitus, characterised by elevated blood glucose levels and potential organ system complications, prompted the exploration of herbal remedies with minimal adverse effects. Rats induced with diabetes were treated with Musa accuminata extract, Momordica charantia extract, and a combination of both extracts. Blood glucose levels were monitored, and markers of complications, including blood pressure and weight management, were assessed.Results revealed that the combined treatment demonstrated a synergistic effect, effectively lowering blood glucose levels (350.43±0.14 to 291.59±23.26) compared to individual extract treatments: Banana extract, Bitter melon extract and Glibenclamide (350.43±0.10 to 300.39±21.02, 347.34±0.06 to 292.23±24.53 and 348.30±0.12 to 287.64±24.06) respectively. Furthermore, the combined treatment exhibited significant improvements in blood pressure (127.92/91.25mmHg, 129.19/98.06, 127.20/99.58mmHg and 130.75/99.83mmHg, combined extract, banana bitter melon and Glibenclamide respectively) and weight management in the animal model, surpassing the outcomes of glibenclamide and untreated diabetic rats. The average weight gain across all the groups ranges from 250g to 321g per rat.These findings highlight the potent anti-hyperglycemic and anti-complication properties of the Musa accuminata and Momordica charantia extracts and their combination in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.It is suggested that additional research be done on the underlying mechanisms and clinical trials to confirm the plant extracts' medicinal potential in treating diabetes mellitus and its related problems. Keywords: Plants extract; Diabetes; weight gain; blood pressure; animal model.