Evaluation of the Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Snehakanthi: A Licensed Polyherbal Formulation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Badmanaban R; Parvathy Murali Elayath; Brahmadathan U

doi:10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.418

Authors

Badmanaban R Principal and Professor, Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Muvattupuzha P.O., Ernakulam dist., Kerala-686661, affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala.
Elayath Parvathy Murali Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Muvattupuzha P.O., Ernakulam dist., Kerala-686661,affilated to Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur ,Kerala.
Brahmadathan U Additional Medical Officer (Production - Siddha), Santhigiri Ayurveda & Siddha Vaidyasala, Additional Charge - Santhigiri Scientific and Industrial Research Institute Santhigiri Ashram, Santhigiri P. O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695589

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Snehakanthi, a proprietary polyherbal formulation containing Salacia reticulata, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Tribulus terrestris, Strychnos potatorum and Phyllanthus emblica, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The acute oral toxicity of Snehakanthi was initially evaluated, following which its antidiabetic activity was assessed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance and body weight were evaluated, while tissue antioxidant status was assessed by estimating superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver, kidney and pancreas. Histopathological examination of the liver and pancreas was also performed. Snehakanthi was well tolerated up to 2000 mg/kg, with no mortality or apparent signs of toxicity. Treatment with Snehakanthi improved glycaemic parameters, with more pronounced effects at 400 mg/kg. The 400 mg/kg dose significantly reduced FBG (p<0.0001) on day 28 and significantly improved glucose tolerance at 60, 90 and 120 min (p<0.0001) compared with diabetic control. It also significantly attenuated diabetes-associated body weight loss (p<0.0001). Furthermore, Snehakanthi at 400 mg/kg significantly improved SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels in several tissues, particularly the liver and pancreas, compared with diabetic control. Histopathological examination revealed comparatively preserved hepatic and pancreatic architecture in Snehakanthi-treated animals. Overall, Snehakanthi demonstrated significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats, accompanied by attenuation of diabetes-associated hepatic and pancreatic histopathological alterations. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of Snehakanthi may be associated with improved glycaemic control and attenuation of diabetes-induced oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a polyherbal intervention for experimental diabetes.

Keywords:

Antidiabetic, Snehakanthi, Polyherbal, Antioxidant, Streptozotocin, Wistar rats

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.418

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