Ameliorative Effect of Resveratrol in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Albino Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM), an increasing global issue, is characterized by oxidative stress leading to β-cell malfunction and sustained hyperglycemia. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound has demonstrated a promise in reducing diabetes associated complications owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics and insulin sensitizing properties. The aim of this study is to assess the anti-diabetic efficacy of RSV and Metformin indepentally and in combination, fifty males Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: a non-diabetic control group, a diabetic control group, and a metformin-treated group, RSV treated group and a combination group with RSV and metformin. Streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) was delivered intraperitoneally in a single dose to develop diabetes through selective β-cell destruction. Blood glucose, serum insulin, oxidative stress indicators (MDA, GSH, TAC), and pancreatic histology, encompassing immunohistochemical and morphometric evaluations, were analyzed. The metformin, RSV, and RSV/metformin groups showed significant increases in serum insulin levels and decreases in blood glucose compared to the diabetes group. Oxidative stress markers significantly improved in these groups, evidenced by reduced MDA and elevated GSH and TAC levels. Histological analysis demonstrated the maintenance of islet architecture and an augmentation of β-cell mass and reduction of inflammatory infiltration in the RSV-treated cohorts. Morphometric study corroborated these findings, revealing increased islet area, diameter, and β-cell percentage, especially in the combo group. Resveratrol, metformin, independently and in combination, significantly improved hyperglycemia, serum insulin level, pancreatic β-cell destruction and oxidative stress in rats with STZ-induced diabetes. The results imply RSV potential as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for diabetic management.