Unraveling the Pharmacodynamic Aspects of <i>Mucuna pruriens</i> Seed Extract on Metabolic Parameters and Organ Weights in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, affects millions worldwide. Mucuna pruriens, a traditional medicinal plant, shows antidiabetic potential. However, the pharmacodynamic aspects of M. pruriens seed extract on metabolic parameters and organ weights in diabetic rats remain least explored. Aim: The study aims to assess the changes in metabolic parameters, including body weight, relative and absolute organ weights (Liver and pancreas), water consumption, and food intake in diabetic rats following M. pruriens seed extract treatment for 12 weeks, comparing it with Glibenclamide. Methods: In this study, 72 neonatal Wistar rats were used, with 54 made diabetic using intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin. After 4 weeks, diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups: Positive control, Test drug (M. pruriens extract, 200 mg/kg), and Standard drug (Glibenclamide, 1 mg/kg). 18 rats served as Normal control. Parameters like fasting plasma glucose, body weight, organ weights, food and water consumption were measured and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Over 12 weeks, normal control rats steadily gained weight, while positive control rats showed slower gain. M. pruriens-treated rats went from 115 g to 222 g, surpassing the standard drug group after 6 weeks. Pancreas weight in the Test drug group decreased insignificantly. Diabetic rats showed polydipsia and Polyphagia; however, both test and standard drug groups showed a significant decrease in food and water intake compared to positive controls. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) in the Mucuna pruriens treated group reduced by 65.4 %, and the standard drug by 53.3 %, but FPG levels in M. pruriens treated group were higher than the standard drug in weeks 9-12. Conclusion: The administration of M. pruriens seed extract in diabetic rats effectively regulates abnormal metabolic parameters and body weight. Major Findings: Mucuna pruriens seeds helps to reduce increased cholesterol level. Mucuna pruriens seeds helps to reduce liver weight gain in metabolic diseases. Mucuna Pruriens seeds helps in body weight regulation in dyslipidemia.