Therapeutic potentials of Acarbose and Protocatechuic acid in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern due to its escalating prevalence. The use of acarbose as a sole treatment for diabetes cannot treat oxidative stress which occur during chronic hyperglycaemia. However, Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a natural phenolic compound, can help reduce oxidative stress linked to type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the effects of Acarbose and Protocatechuic acid on diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin, to evaluate their combined potential in treating diabetes. Forty rats were divided into five groups, each with eight rats. Group 1 was the normal control group, while Groups II to V were the treatment groups. Diabetes was induced in the treatment groups using a 50 mg/kg dose of streptozotocin injected into the abdomen. Group II, the diabetic group, received only distilled water. Group III was given acarbose (25 mg/kg), Group IV received PCA (100 mg/kg), and Group V was treated with a combination of acarbose (25 mg/kg) and PCA (100 mg/kg). Treatment lasted 14 days, with regular measurements of blood glucose levels and rat weights. On the 15^th day, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Results shows significant (p < 0.05) decrease in (body weight, Hepatic glucose, insulin, specific activity of some glucose metabolizing enzymes, HDL-cholesterol, also, significant (p < 0.05) increase in (Fasting blood glucose, Cholesterol, Triglyceride level) in STZ-induced rats when compared to normal control. After treatments with acarbose and protocatechuic acid in treatment groups, resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increase in (body weight, Hepatic glucose, insulin, specific activity of some glucose metabolizing enzymes, HDL-cholesterol and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in (Fasting blood glucose, Cholesterol, Triglyceride level) when compare to diabetic control and the increment is comparable to normal. It is therefore, concluded that acarbose and protocatechuic acid treatment of diabetic rats may have improved or enhanced pancreatic islet regeneration, increasing insulin secretion while inhibiting oxidative damage associated with diabetics, leading to an improvement in the management of diabetes.