Hypoglycemic and lipid metabolic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by Sechium hybrid extract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease caused by hyperglycemia due to a deficiency in insulin production or utilization, leading to multi-organ damage and high morbidity and mortality. Despite the multiple therapeutic options available, diabetes remains a leading cause of death, highlighting the continuing need for new diabetes management options. This study evaluates the Sechium H387 07 hybrid, which, through its polyphenols content, can exert hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective activities in a murine model of diabetes. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg). Sechium H387 07 (8, 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (50 mg/kg) were administered daily by gavage after diabetes induction. This study demonstrates, in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model, that the administration of the methanolic extract of the fruit of the Sechium H387 07 hybrid acts as a hypoglycemic agent by reducing blood glucose levels, HbA1c, insulin, and insulin resistance. Additionally, it regulates lipid control levels and reduces cardiovascular and atherogenic risk with values similar to the drug glibenclamide. Sechium H387 07 also improves parameters of the hepatic, renal, and pancreatic profile, as reflected by the histological preservation of the islets of Langerhans, hepatocytes, and renal glomeruli. Therefore, the methanolic extract of the Sechium H387 07 hybrid functions as a phytopharmaceutical for the control of diabetes and its metabolic complications.