Effects of <i>Origanum vulgare</i> L. aqueous extract on circulating glucose levels in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> model of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycaemia associated with microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Rising cost of drugs and the chronic nature of diabetes necessitate the search for cost-effective, safe, and efficacious medications. This study investigated the antidiabetic effect of Origanum vulgare L. in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). A high-calorie sucrose diet was given to D. melanogaster for 10 days to induce insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes. The diabetic flies were then treated for seven days with varying concentrations of O. vulgare. Metformin was used as the standard antidiabetic drug. Glucose content of the fly homogenate was quantified using glucose oxidase method. Furthermore, total thiol content and activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. We found a significant decrease (p<0.05) in circulating glucose levels in diabetic flies treated with the plant extract and Metformin. Also, a significant decrease in total thiol content and an increase in catalase and GST activities were observed. These findings are consistent with the effect of antidiabetic agents. Therefore, O. vulgare could be a potential remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and warrants further studies to determine the mechanism of its antidiabetic effect and develop a feasible regimen.