Ameliorative Effect of Teucrium royleanum on the Biochemical Changes Associated with Oxidative Stress and Diabetes in a Diabetic Model

Background: Diabetes, a disease identified by high glucose levels in the bloodstream, is caused due to irregularities in insulin secretion or its action. These irregularities can have detrimental effects on various organs impacting vision; renal, nerve, and cardiac functions. The aim of the project was to investigate the ameliorative effect of aerial parts of Teucrium royleanum in the form of extracts on the biochemical alterations associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Methods: After extraction and fractionations, the extracts were subjected to antioxidant and antidiabetic potential evaluations against diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and alpha-glucosidase following the standard protocols. The extract was then fed to experimental animals after toxicity evaluations. The animals' blood glucose levels and other blood biochemical parameters, liver function, and renal function parameters were monitored throughout the 28-day treatment period in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic animals. The oxidative stress markers were also evaluated in the diabetic animal's blood. Results: Ethyl acetate extract more potently inhibited DPPH radical and alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 76.12 and 55.12 mu g mL(-1) correspondingly. At the second and third weeks of treatment (14th and 21st day), the groups received Teucrium royleanum crude extract (Tr-Crd) at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight (b.w), and Teucrium royleanum chloroform fraction (Tr-Chl) and Teucrium royleanum ethyl acetate (Tr-Eta) at 75 and 150 mg/kg b.w exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose levels. At the end of the 28-day treatment, significant reductions in glucose levels were observed, with values of 138.9 +/- 4.6 mg/dL and 115.7 +/- 4.6 mg/dL (p < 0.001) for Tr-Eta at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg b.w doses, respectively, approaching the levels of the normal control group (104.5 +/- 5.4 mg/dL). The impact of treatment on the body weight of the rats was assessed during the 28 days. In the diabetic group, significant weight regain upon treatment with extract was observed like that of the control group. The diabetic groups administered with the samples significantly reduced Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared to the control group. The administration of streptozotocin increased plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG), as well as a decrease in the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), when compared to the normal group. Administration of samples significantly (p< 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, n = 8) reduced the elevated levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Additionally, administering of the samples significantly reduced the elevated creatinine levels, indicating improved kidney function. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme, was significantly increased in the sample-treated groups, reaching levels comparable to the normal control group (p < 0.001, n = 8). Similar results were observed in the activity of catalase (CAT), suggesting the antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of the plant. Conclusions: These findings suggested that Tr-Crd extract and its fractions could be used as an antidiabetic drug as ameliorate the alterations caused by streptozotocin injection. However, further studies in this connection are needed to evaluate its toxicological profile and isolate the responsible compounds in a pure state.

Automated summary

The extracts of Teucrium royleanum have therapeutic effects on diabetes by improving biochemical alterations associated with the disease. They can lower blood glucose levels, restore body weight, improve cholesterol and kidney function, and exhibit antioxidant capabilities.