Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Herbal medicines are increasingly explored as safe alternatives for diabetes management. Mallotus apelta (family Euphorbiaceae) has been used traditionally for inflammatory and hepatic disorders but lacks scientific validation for antidiabetic activity. To evaluate the phytochemical composition, safety profile, and antidiabetic potential of M. apelta leaf extracts in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Leaves were extracted using successive solvents (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous). Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. Acute toxicity (OECD-425) was assessed. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats for 21 days, with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) as standard. Biochemical markers (blood glucose, lipid profile, albumin, urea, total protein, Hb), antioxidant parameters (SOD, GSH, TBARS), and histopathology were studied.
Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics. Acute toxicity showed no mortality up to 2000 mg/kg. Methanolic extract significantly (p<0.01) reduced blood glucose, improved lipid profile, elevated serum protein and hemoglobin, and restored antioxidant enzymes compared to diabetic control. Histopathology showed protection of pancreatic β-cells.
M. apelta leaf extract, particularly the methanolic fraction, demonstrates significant antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, validating its ethnomedicinal use and suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic for diabetes.