Effects of Berberis asiatica, Withania somnifera, and Their Combination on Body Weight in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and beta cell dysfunction, often leading to chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications. <i>Berberis asiatica</i> (<i>BA</i>) and <i>Withania somnifera</i> (<i>WS</i>) are ancient medicinal plants with a reputation for having potential therapeutic effects in diabetes management. The purpose of this study was to look into how body weight (BW) was affected in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NIC) induced T2DM in Wistar rats by <i>BA</i>, <i>WS</i>, and their polyherbal combination (PHC). Materials and methods Seventy-eight Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 13 groups, with six rats in each group, including normal and diabetic controls, and treated with varying doses of <i>BA</i>, <i>WS</i>, and PHC. The rats were under observation over the course of 35 days for any change in BW. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rules and guidelines were followed in the conduct of acute toxicity tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests, was used for statistical analysis. Results The findings indicated that the highest dose of <i>BA</i> (1000 mg/kg) significantly improved BW in diabetic rats, approaching that of the normal control group. The combination of <i>BA</i> and <i>WS</i> also demonstrated significant improvements in BW, suggesting a synergistic effect. The standard antidiabetic drugs, metformin and glimepiride, were effective in increasing BW in diabetic rats. Conclusion The study concludes that <i>BA</i>, <i>WS</i>, and their combination have a positive impact on BW management in T2DM rats, with the combination therapy showing enhanced effects. These findings support the potential utilization of these herbs in managing BW and other T2DM-associated metabolic disturbances and abnormalities.