Evaluating the antidiabetic and antioxidative efficacy of binahong leaf extract (ble): a pre-clinical study

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by hyperglycemia and associated with oxidative stress, leading to various complications. Natural plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, have been explored for their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Binahong leaf extract (BLE) in managing diabetes and oxidative stress. The hypoglycemic effect of BLE was evaluated in a 30-day study, where diabetic-induced rats were treated with varying doses of BLE (100, 150, and 300 mg/kg). The effects on blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and the activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and catalase) were measured and compared to normal and diabetic controls. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of BLE were also quantified to correlate with the observed effects. BLE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in blood glucose levels, with the highest dose restoring levels close to normal. Significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides were observed, along with an increase in HDL cholesterol at the highest dose. BLE also significantly increased the activities of SOD, GPx, and catalase, indicating enhanced antioxidative defenses. The presence of high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in BLE correlated with the observed biological activities. The findings suggest that BLE possesses considerable antidiabetic and antioxidative properties, likely due to its rich content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The extract demonstrates potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and associated oxidative stress. However, further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these effects in human populations and to establish comprehensive safety and efficacy profiles.