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

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ethanol extracts of Neuracanthus sphaerostachyus in streptozotocin (STZ) and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves and roots of N sphaerostachys were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using 95% ethanol in a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was administered to male Wistar rats (200-250 g), which were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, standard drug control (metformin 250 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the extract. Diabetes was induced using STZ (60 mg/kg) or alloxan (150 mg/kg). Blood glucose and insulin levels were monitored at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test.

Result and Discussion: The diabetic control group exhibited persistently elevated blood glucose levels (>200 mg/dL), while the treatment groups showed dose-dependent reductions. The highest dose, TG III (200 mg/kg), demonstrated the greatest improvement, reducing glucose levels to 120-150 mg/dL by Day 28. Insulin concentrations also increased significantly in the SDC and treatment groups, with TG III showing the highest improvement (~25 μU/mL at Day 28). These results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: the ethanol extract of Neuracanthus sphaerostachyus showed promising antidiabetic effects by improving glycemic control and enhancing insulin secretion. The findings suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for diabetes management. Further studies, including molecular analysis and clinical trials, are recommended to validate its efficacy and safety in humans.