Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Selected Medicinal Plants on Gut Microbiota and Glycemic Control in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The study focused on conducting a comparative analysis of the impact of selected medicinal plants on intestinal flora during diabetes management in rats induced with streptozotocin. Thirty male albino rats were utilised for the experiment, with 36 rats subjected to the induction of diabetes using streptozotocin. By injecting streptozotocin intraperitoneally at a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight dissolved in normal saline, diabetes type 2 was induced. Following the induction, the rats were administered a 5% glucose solution to prevent hypoglycemic shock. Blood glucose levels were monitored regularly, and rats above 200 mg/dl were deemed diabetic and added to the study. Glibenclamide 45 mg/kg b.w., Bitter melon, Okra, and akuamma leaves. 200 mg/kg b.w., and leaves were administered daily for 28 days in diabetic rats. Some intestinal taxa changed as a result of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The percentage of Enterobacteriaceae increased versus Control. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, influenced the quantitative proportion of some intestinal species (Bacillus subtilis, proteus mirabilis, E. coli, shigella flauor). Glibenclamide stimulates the growth of Lactobacilli and Eubacterium spp. But suppresses the G+/G- ratio in small intestinal samples. The results indicated that administering plant extracts significantly reduced blood glucose and a notable presence of microbes suitable for insulin secretion and sugar fermentation. Additionally, the study highlighted the potential of plant extracts to positively impact intestinal flora, suggesting a promising avenue for managing diabetes in streptozotocin-induced rats.