<i>Lasia spinosa</i> Stem Aqueous Extract Potentiates Antidiabetic Effects Exhibiting Antioxidant Genes Upregulation and DNA‐Damage Protection

This research elucidated the hypoglycemic effect correlated with DNA-protective and antioxidative activity of Lasia spinosa stem aqueous extract (LSSAE) using streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat models. LSSAE, characterized by phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and FTIR analyses, was investigated for its DNA-protective activity by exposing PBR322 plasmid DNA to Fenton's reagents. Long Evans rats, treated by LSSAE, were found to be improved for body weight, fasting blood glucose level, and oral glucose load. A 30-day supplement of LSSAE significantly recovered serum biochemical markers, including hepatic (i.e., ALP, AST, ALT, and TB); renal (i.e., creatinine and uric acid); and lipid profiles (i.e., TC, TG, HDLc, LDLc, and VLDLc). An increased level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH), and a decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in LSSAE-treated rat liver. Antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated by mRNA expression level of antioxidant genes (CAT, SOD2, GPX1, PON1, PFK1, GAPDH, using the 2^-ΔΔCT method, normalized with housekeeping gene, ß-ACTIN) using qRT-PCR. Additionally, histological examination confirmed the restoration of morphology, and function of pancreatic β-cell, kidney, liver, and spleen. Results reveal that LSSAE exerts an antidiabetic effect through upregulation of antioxidant genes, DNA protection and modulation of biochemical and histological parameters.