Abstract: Journal of Complementary Research and Alternative Medicine

Abstract:
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Launaea taraxacifolia, a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated potential antidiabetic properties, but its effects on key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of L. taraxacifolia leaf solvent partitions on serum glucose levels and carbohydrate-me tabolizing enzymes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology: Thirty-five Wistar male rats were rendered diabetic via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). The rats were divided into six groups: untreated diabetic controls, diabetic rats treated with stan dard drugs (metformin and gliclazide), and those treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg of methanol or n-hexane leaf partitions for 7 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight were monitored, and the activities of key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in the serum were analyzed. Renal tissues underwent histopathological examination.

Result: Results showed that the diabetic control group had significant hyperglycemia (FBG > 200 mg/dL) and decreased activities of enzymes such as amylase, glut-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-phosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, ATPase, and ENTPase compared to controls. Treatment with Launaea taraxacifolia notably ameliorated hyperglycemia, up-regulated enzyme activities closer to normal levels, and reduced renal lesions. Among the treatments, the low dose of methanol and high dose of n-hexane partitions were most effective, demonstrating potent antihyperglycemic effects possibly through modulation of key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate processing.

Conclusion: Findings indicated that partitions of L. taraxacifolia exhibited potent antihyperglycemic effects in diabetic rats, which could likely be through modulation of key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate processing.