Impact of Mucuna pruriens seed on lipid profiles in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Abstract

Background: Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a tropical legume, widely used in the treatment of parkinsonism, erectile dysfunction, anti-venomous, and anti-diabetic properties. It contains multiple phytonutrients and is rich in soluble fibers and proteins and is used as a drug of choice in traditional medicine for different ailments. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to study the hypolipidemic activity of alcoholic extract MP seeds in Type 2 diabetic rats with hyperlipidemia, by assessing lipid profile of rats in comparison with rats treated with a standard anti-diabetic drug. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Wistar rat pups were made diabetic by injecting intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). After 12 weeks, animals with diabetic and dyslipidemia were selected and divided into three groups diabetic control, test drug group (fed with MP alcoholic extract 200 mg/kg), and standard drug group (fed with glibenclamide 0.1 mg/kg), and 18 rats of same age were kept for normal control group. Results: MP seeds exhibited a gradual and progressive change in the low-density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats (4th week [−34.3%], 8th week [−42.24%], and 12th week [−45.30%]), serum triglycerides levels (4th week [−39.3%], 8th week [−44.49%], and 12th week [−46.65%]). Whereas serum high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased (39.3% increase by 4 weeks, 54.95% increase by 8 weeks, and 61.03% increase by 12 weeks). This suggests that active phytochemical compounds in the MP seeds exert hypolipidemic properties by its antioxidant and high fiber content. Conclusion: MP seeds contain phytonutrients and soluble fiber compounds, which helps in reduction of lipid levels in rats with diabetes induced hyperlipidemia.