Antidiabetic Ethanol Extract of Syzygium cumini L. Leaves, Lagerstroemia speciosa Leaves, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Rhizome in Diabetic Wistar Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. This disease is difficult to cure but can be successfully managed with proper treatment adherence. Previous studies showed that the alcohol extract of Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) leaves inhibited α-glucosidase. In addition, the water extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L. speciosa) leaves enhances glucose transport in hepatocytes, and the corosolic acid component of the leaves promotes insulin receptor phosphorylation. Curcuma xanthorrhiza (C. xanthorrhiza) rhizomes are known for hepatoprotective properties, potentially mitigating diabetes-related complications. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the combination of the three herbal extracts as a safe antidiabetic treatment. The evaluation experiment was conducted on diabetic Wistar rats. Five treatment groups established were normal control, diabetic, metformin, and a combination of the extract at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg BW (body weight). Parameters assessed were decreased glucose levels, insulin levels, insulin resistance, pancreatic histopathology, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. The results showed that the herbal extract combination significantly reduced blood glucose, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inhibited pancreatic damage in diabetic rats while maintaining liver safety. A dose of 300 mg/kg BW effectively reduced SGPT levels, signifying the potential of the combination as a safe and effective antidiabetic treatment.