Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Allium chinense G. Don Extract on Pancreatic Histopathology and Apoptosis Biomarker Modulation in Diabetic Rat Models

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an ethanolic extract of Allium chinense. Phytochemical analysis using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) confirmed the presence of bioactive flavonoids and phenolic compounds, including quercetin and 3-hydroxyflavanone, in the extracts. The extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 232.0 ± 15.2 μg/mL), with total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 18.06 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g and 5.73 ± 0.04 mg QE/g, respectively. In vivo evaluation was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats divided into 6 groups: Normal group (N), diabetic control (K−), glibenclamide-treated group (K+, 0.45 mg/kg BW), and treatment groups P1, P2, and P3 receiving 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg BW of extract, respectively, for 28 days. The measured parameters included fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, superoxide dismutase (SOD), pancreatic histopathology, and expression of insulin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and caspase-3. The results showed that extract significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels, increased SOD activity, improved pancreatic structure, and modulated insulin, iNOS, and caspase-3 expression. The most effective response was observed in group P3 (600 mg/kg BW), which showed outcomes comparable to those of group K(+). In conclusion, A. chinense demonstrated significant antidiabetic effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms and may serve as a promising natural adjuvant in the management of diabetes. HIGHLIGHTS The ethanol extract of Allium chinense is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant activity. The extract significantly reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels and enhanced SOD activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological analyses showed improved pancreatic structure, increased insulin expression, and decreased iNOS and caspase-3 expression, particularly at 600 mg/kg BW. Allium chinense demonstrates potential as a natural adjuvant for diabetes management through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanisms, warranting further studies on its active constituents and safety. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT