Antidiabetic effects of <i>Morus alba</i> Linn leaf extract in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mouse model

Background:The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus underscores the need for safer therapeutic options, including natural products.Morus alba Linn leaf extract (MAE), a traditional remedy and the key component of the herbal product DIDALA, has been investigated for its potential antidiabetic properties.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic and lipid-modulating effects of MAE in a type 2 diabetes (T2DM) experimental model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) in mice.Methods: T2DM was induced in male Swiss mice by 8 weeks of an HFD followed by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 100 mg/kg.Diabetic mice were orally administered for 14 days with either a low dose MAE (0.8208 g/kg/day), a high dose MAE (2.4624 g/kg/day), or Gliclazide (80 mg/kg/day) as a positive control.Outcomes assessed included fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol), liver and pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress, and histological examination.Results: The low dose of MAE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and improved lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, with outcomes comparable to the Gliclazide group.It also reduced liver and pancreatic MDA levels, indicating decreased oxidative stress, and ameliorated histopathological alterations in the liver and pancreas.The high-dose MAE exerted less pronounced effects on glucose levels but still demonstrated some lipid and oxidative stress benefits.Conclusion: MAE, particularly at the lower dose, exhibits promising hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects in a HFD/STZ-induced T2DM mouse model, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for diabetes management.Further studies should explore dose optimization, long-term efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.