Hypolipidemic and Antidiabetic Potential of Hyphaene thebaica leaf Extracts on Stz/Hfd-Induced Diabetic/Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a global metabolic disorder arising from issues with insulin secretion or action, has led to the exploration of plant-derived products for safe and effective antidiabetic solutions. Hyphaene thebaica, a desert palm native to the Nile Valley, sub-Saharan Africa, and West India, is recognisedas a valuable plant. This study aimed to investigate the potential hypolipidemic and antidiabetic effects of Hyphaene thebaica leaf extracts on streptozotocin/high-fat diet-induced diabetic/hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Secondary metabolite screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, carbohydrates, volatile oils, steroids, and phytosteroids in the extracts. The LD50 of the extracts indicated no lethality. Hyperlipidemia was induced in Wistar rats through a high-fat diet for two weeks, followed by the induction of diabetes mellitus using 35mg/kg streptozotocin. After 72 hours, rats with plasma glucose levels >200 mg/dl were classified as diabetic. Six groups, each with three rats, were utilised, including one untreated diabetic group. Three diabetic groups were orally treated with 150 mg/kg body weight of different extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, and aqueous), while another diabetic group received metformin/lovastatin (100mg/kg). The 28-day treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) weight, plasma glucose levels, total triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL compared to the control. The antioxidant properties of Hyphaene thebaica extracts are evident, as they effectively reduce lipid peroxidation and enhance antioxidant status in the liver of diabetic rats. These findings collectively highlight the pharmacological significance of Hyphaene thebaica leaves and underscore their potential for therapeutic use.