Anti-diabetic Activity of Rhizophora mucronata Leaves in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Animal Model

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, where it is necessary to achieve and maintain good glycemic control. Though various achievements have been made in conventional and herbal medicines as anti-diabetic, there is a need to develop a well-defined treatment to manage the disease along with its multiple complications. Rhizophora mucronata, a true mangrove, abundant in the Sundarban region is traditionally used for its anti-diabetic properties but has very few scientific validations till date. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhizophora mucronata Lam leaves on Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced Type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: The mangrove leaves were collected, identified and extracted with ethanol (50%) in the Soxhlet apparatus. Extract treatment was done for 28 consecutive days in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced Type 2 diabetic rats. Body weight, blood glucose profiles were measured along with serum lipid profile and serum insulin. Histological studies of the pancreas were also observed. Findings: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhizophora mucronata Lam leaves significantly reduced the blood glucose level. It also reduced the serum lipids in a dose-independent manner. Regular administration of extract maintained the normal serum insulin level. The study revealed Rhizophora mucronata leaves are a rich source of magnesium content and the Gas chromatographic study showed the presence of Squalene. Conclusion: Present study revealed the beneficial potential of ahydro-alcoholic extract of Rhizophora mucronata Lam leaves as an anti-hyperglycemic agent having lipid-lowering action along with insulin mimicking property. Further research is required to identify the bioactive component responsible for its potent anti-diabetic action.