Jamun (Syzygium cumini Linn.) Seed Extract as a Potential Antidiabetic Agent: Effects on Blood Glucose Levels, Haematological Parameters and Biochemical Profiles in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in India, making it essential to find alternative therapies that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes. Safer treatment options are needed to manage the growing burden of this chronic condition effectively. This study evaluates the antidiabetic potential of Syzygium cumini seed extract (SCSEt) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by administering alloxan (120 mg/kg) in albino rats, and diabetes was confirmed with blood glucose levels ≥290 mg/dL. Rats were treated with SCSEt at doses of 2, 4, and 6 g/kg orally, with insulin (1.0 IU/kg/day) serving as a reference treatment. Over four weeks, SCSEt demonstrated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to untreated diabetic controls, though less effective than insulin. Blood glucose levels in SCSEt-treated groups decreased from 286 ± 1.10 mg/dL (low-dose) to 110 ± 3.21 mg/dL (high-dose), compared to insulin-treated rats with levels of 112 ± 1.96 mg/dL. Haematological parameters improved with SCSEt, particularly at higher doses, where packed cell volume (PCV) reached 42.91 ± 0.98% and haemoglobin levels were 17.08 ± 2.06 g/dL. Biochemical analyses revealed reduced serum cholesterol and improved protein levels in high-dose SCSEt rats, with cholesterol dropping to 112 ± 1.92 mg/dL and protein rising to 6.39 ± 0.09 mg/dL. SCSEt also enhanced glucose tolerance, with high-dose SCSEt rats achieving the lowest glucose level of 104 ± 1.62 mg/dL at 100 minutes during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Although SCSEt was less effective than insulin in glucose management, its potential as a complementary therapy is supported by its significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid profile.