Effect of Gynura procumbens leaf extract with biological nanoparticles on streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in a rat model

Herbal medicines, a popular choice for treatments, are effective against diabetes when used with nanoparticles. Thus, this study investigates the effects of Gynura procumbens ethanolic extract with chitosan nanoparticles on streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in a rat model. Twenty-eight days old 16 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups such as T0 = control (normal), T1 = streptozotocin-induced diabetes, T2 = streptozotocin-induced diabetes treated with ethanolic extract of Gynura Procumbens (150 mg/kg body weight), and T3= streptozotocin induced diabetes treated with ethanolic extract of Gynura Procumbens (150 mg/kg) and chitosan nanoparticles (25 mg/kg). Blood glucose levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group T1 (26.27±1.76) compared to treatment T2 (18.32±.715) and T3 (15.45±1.33) groups. The body weight of T1 (115.75±0.08c) significantly decreased compared to control T0 (216.25±4.27) on the 21st day. Interestingly, there was significant (p<0.01) weight gain in T2 and T3 than diabetic group T1. Also, insulin level peaked in T3 (0.41 µU/ml) statistically significant at (p<0.01), while it decreased in diabetic group T1 (0.41 µU/ml) compared to control T0 (0.34 µU/ml). Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were normal in control T0 (181.50 U/L and 139.00 U/L), while diabetic group T1 showed an increased level (463.75 U/L and 322.00 U/L). Interestingly, treatment of the plant extracts and nanoparticles (T3) effectively reduced ALT and ASL levels within the 21 days of treatment. In conclusion, Gynura procumbens ethanolic extract and chitosan nanoparticles can be used as an effective anti-diabetic treatment.