Antioxidant and hypoglycemic evaluation of RAXI in a diabetic rat model

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress due to insulin resistance. Current antidiabetic treatments often have limitations, hence the interest in plant-based therapies with antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. This study investigates the antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects of a polyherbal formulation (RAXI) on high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM in rats. Objectives To assess the antioxidant potential of the polyherbal formulation (RAXI) in diabetic rats. To investigate the hypoglycemic effects of RAXI in rats with HFD/STZ-induced diabetes. Methods: This study employed a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. The polyherbal formulation RAXI was prepared from authenticated medicinal plants, extracted using distilled water, lyophilized, and stored at 4 °C. Thirty-five male rats were divided into seven groups, including normal, diabetic control, standard drug (Glibenclamide), and RAXI-treated groups at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. Over 28 days, rats received respective treatments. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized, organs harvested and homogenized, and antioxidant markers Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Results: RAXI significantly reduced FBG levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the 400 mg/kg dose achieving glycemic control comparable to Glibenclamide. OGTT results showed improved glucose tolerance in RAXI-treated groups, notably at the highest dose. MDA levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated in diabetic rats but substantially decreased after RAXI administration. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) were significantly suppressed in diabetic controls but markedly restored in RAXI-treated groups, with the most pronounced effect at 400 mg/kg. These outcomes indicate RAXI’s dual action in reducing oxidative stress and improving glycemic control. Conclusion: RAXI demonstrated significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats. Its efficacy was dose-dependent, with 400 mg/kg producing comparable outcomes to Glibenclamide. These findings support the potential of RAXI as a complementary therapeutic agent in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated oxidative stress.