Therapeutic potential of a combination of Nigella sativa, Momordica charantia, and Anethum graveolens in metabolic syndrome management: An in vivo study

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance (IR), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Conventional pharmacological interventions primarily manage symptoms but are associated with adverse effects. Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants offer promising multi-targeted therapeutic benefits. This study evaluates the efficacy of a polyherbal formulation containing extracts of Nigella sativa (NS, seed), Momordica charantia (MC, fruit), and Anethum graveolens (AG, fruit) in mitigating MetS-induced complications in an olanzapine-induced MetS rat model. Methods: Animals were divided into five groups: normal control (saline), disease control (olanzapine 2 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily), and three treatment groups receiving olanzapine with formulations containing combination of NS, MC, and AG at 200 mg/kg (100:50:50), 400 mg/kg (200:100:100), and 800 mg/kg (400:200:200) orally. The study assessed metabolic parameters, including blood glucose levels, body weight, food and water intake, lipid profile, and Hemoglobin A1c/ glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Cardiac activity function was evaluated using electrocardiography (ECG). Antioxidant status was assessed by estimating superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in tissue homogenates of the heart, liver, and pancreas. Histopathological examinations of these organs were also performed. Results: Polyherbal formulation 800 mg/kg (400:200:200 ratio) significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles, and mitigated weight gain induced by olanzapine. ECG analysis demonstrated cardioprotective effects. Antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, CAT, and GSH levels, was notably improved in tissue homogenates. Histopathological evaluation further confirmed the protective effects on the liver, heart, and pancreas. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the polyherbal formulation exerts protective effects against MetS by ameliorating blood glucose levels, improving lipid profile, enhancing antioxidant status, and preserving tissue architecture, thereby highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for the management of metabolic syndrome.