Antidiabetic potential of seven-herb Thai formula: Effect on blood glucose, lipid profile, and pancreatic islet restoration in diabetic rats

Purpose: To assess an aqueous extract from a traditional Thai herbal formula for hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The rats were divided into six groups, each consisting of 8 animals as follows: normal and diabetic controls, received distilled water (1 mL/kg); a glibenclamide-treated positive control (5 mg/kg); and three groups received orally the herbal extract at doses of 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight. Treatment was for a duration of four weeks, once daily. Changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, liver and kidney function results before and after the administration of the extracts were observed. Histological examination of the pancreatic cells was also conducted. Results: Administration of 250 mg/kg of these herbal formula extracts to diabetic rats resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, a notable decrease in fasting blood glucose, and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in body weight relative to diabetic controls. Organ weights and other hematological values remained unchanged. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and AST/ALT levels were seen, compared to diabetic controls. Histological analysis showed that the treatment dose-dependently restored pancreatic islet architecture, especially at 250 mg/kg, suggesting tissue regeneration. Conclusion: These promising results support the need for further studies to identify the active compounds and understand the mechanism of action.