Estimation of Anti-diabetic Activity of Polyherbal Seeds (Bitter Gourd and Black Pepper) on Zebrafish Model

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder. It affects 537 million people globally between the ages of 20 to 79, and 643 million individuals will have diabetes by 2030, and by 2045, that number will rise to 783 million. Aim: In this study, the Zebra zebrafish model was used for the estimation of anti-diabetic activity of polyhedral seeds (bitter gourd and black pepper). Methods: The bitter guard extraction was done by the acetone extraction method, and black pepper extraction was done by the Soxhlet extraction method using ethanol as a solvent. Diabetes was induced in the zebra fish by the immersion method. The fish were immersed in 2% glucose solution and 0% glucose solution on alternate days for 28 days. The blood glucose levels of diabetic zebra fish after diabetic induction were found to be 319±10.16 mg/dl. Then the zebra fish was divided into 5 groups. Group I was considered as a control group, Group II was considered as a disease control group, and Group III received a combination of Polypeptide-k (from bitter gourd seeds) and piperine (from black pepper) compounds at a dose of 0.1 g in 100 ml of water. Group-IV received Polypeptide-k only (from bitter gourd seed) at the dose of 0.1 g in 100ml. Group V received the Standard drug Metformin at a dose of 0.129 g in 100 ml of water. Results: Polypeptide-k and Piperine reduced the blood glucose levels of zebra fish after 28 days of treatment. Polypeptide-k-treated zebrafish reduced the blood glucose up to 163±9.55mg/dl, and Metformin treatment reduced the blood glucose up to 160±6.75 mg/dl in zebrafish. Conclusion: Based on the results, both the compounds have very good anti-diabetic activity, even though the combined treatment of both Polypeptide-k and Piperine shows very efficient anti-diabetic activity due to its synergistic effect. Major Findings: Polypeptide-k from bitter gourd seeds and piperine from black pepper both have anti-diabetic activity by reducing the blood glucose level in zebrafish, and their combination product is more effective in reducing the blood glucose level due to its synergistic property.