Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential of Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Combined Extract Efficacy in Rats

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective:
Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are both tropical
medicinal plants used for the treatment and management of numerous ailments including diabetes.
This study sought to evaluate the antidiabetic potential and efficacy, antioxidant and safety profile of the
plants and combined extracts of the Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides.

Materials and Methods:
The combined (Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) and
separate plant parts were extracted with different solvents. Phytochemical analysis, radical scavenging
activity and heavy metal content assessments were conducted. The antidiabetic potential of the extracts
was further evaluated in vivo by employing the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in 21 Wistar rats. The
safety profile of the extracts was evaluated by assessing the effect of the extracts on the percentage
change in body weights, hematological parameters and biochemical parameters as well. One-way and
two-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test was used at p<0.05.

Results:
Alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and tannins were present in aqueous extracts. The combined
aqueous extract showed better radical scavenging activity. In a glucose tolerance test on rats, the
combined extract demonstrated the most reduction (from 6.83-4.60 mmol LG1).
Combined extract also had better antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects compared to individual
extracts.

Conclusion: All extracts were safe concerning hematological and biochemical parameters.
Combined extracts showed better therapeutic potential compared to the individual extracts.