Effect of Postprandial Level of Plasma Glucose Level in Streptozotocin Induced Type 2 Diabetes Albino Rat Treated with Gymnema Sylvestre

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. With the global prevalence of DM expected to rise by 200 million cases by 2040, it presents a critical public health challenge. Metformin, while widely used for type 2 DM management, has side effects that spur interest in alternative treatments like herbal medicine. Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre), a traditional Indian medicinal plant, is recognized for its anti-diabetic properties. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic efficacy of G. sylvestre in a streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes rat model and compare its effects to metformin, a conventional treatment for type 2 diabetes. Methodology: Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups, with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin administration. The experimental groups were treated with varying dosages (200 and 400 mg/kg) of G. sylvestre extract and metformin. Blood glucose levels were measured using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on 0, 14, 19 and 42 days respectively. For this purpose, overnight fasted rats were fed 1.5 g /kg b. w of glucose through oral gavage and its levels were measured at intervals over a span of 2 hours as 0, 60 and 120 mins by glucose analyzer. On 42nd day, overnight fasted rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for the determination of serum insulin, liver enzymes like aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Results: Treatment with G. sylvestre extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and improved insulin levels compared to the untreated diabetic group. Higher doses of G. sylvestre showed more pronounced effects. Additionally, liver enzyme profiles indicated improved liver function in the G. sylvestre-treated groups. Conclusion: G. sylvestre demonstrates significant anti-diabetic potential, suggesting it may serve as an effective alternative or complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes management. Its use could reduce dependence on conventional glucose-lowering medications like metformin, offering a natural and potentially safer treatment option.