Paris polyphylla Sm. extract enriched with diosgenin as an antidiabetic agent: In vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

BackgroundThe global epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a severe metabolic disorder and a threat to public health. Medicinal plants as a remedy for managing diabetes is accepted worldwide due to their long-term effectiveness and fewer side effects, mainly attributed to the phytochemicals. Paris polyphylla is a valuable medicinal herb endowed with steroidal saponins of therapeutic importance. The plant is popularly used as an anticancer agent. However, the antidiabetic potential of P. polyphylla has not been explored. So, the present study was undertaken to investigate the antidiabetic potential of P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin (PPED) in vitro and in vivo in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. MethodP. polyphylla rhizomes were used to extract diosgenin-enriched extracts. The P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin (PPED) was quantified using standard diosgenin in HPLC. The in vitro antidiabetic efficacy of PPED was determined by α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity. PPED 1 (200 mg/kg b.w) and PPED 2 (400 mg/kg b.w) was administered in normal glycemic rats to evaluate the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). PPED 1 and PPED 2 were orally dosed for 28 days daily in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and the fasting blood glucose level and body weight were monitored every 7 days. Furthermore, the antioxidant, serum biochemical parameters, and pancreatic histopathology were studied. ResultsP. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin was quantified. PPED exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with IC50 275.7 ± 0.59 μg/mL and 121.9 ± 1.21 μg/mL. Daily oral dosage of PPED 1 and PPED 2 for 28 days leads to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level and recovery of body weight compared to the diabetic control. The liver and kidney antioxidant parameters also improved with PPED dosage. According to our study, the PPED 1 and PPED 2 treated groups showed a decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hyperlipidemia, as well as an improvement in protein, liver, and kidney function parameters. Moreover, PPED administration also ameliorates the pancreatic islets' size and β-cell granularity compared to the diabetic control group. It is, therefore, possible to conclude that PPED has the potential as an antidiabetic agent. ConclusionThis is the first report of P. polyphylla extract enriched with diosgenin as a potent antidiabetic agent. The present study broadens the therapeutic horizon of P. polyphylla as an invaluable medicinal plant.