Evaluation of Allium sativum polysaccharides as an adjunct to metformin in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Background: Metformin is widely prescribed for the management of diabetes; prolonged intake of metformin at higher doses is often associated with several mild to severe side effects. In recent years, plant polysaccharides have been rigorously studied for their antidiabetic properties. In this study, the complementary effect of Allium sativum polysaccharides with metformin was investigated in STZ-induced Wistar rats. Methodology: The rats were divided into five groups (n=6): normal control, diabetic control, metformin-treated (100 mg/kg b.w.), and metformin + ASP (50 mg + 200, 100 mg/kg b.w.). For 28 days, FBG and body weight were monitored. After 28 days, the rats were euthanized, and liver function markers were measured. Results and Discussion: Compared with diabetic control, combination therapy with metformin (50 mg) and ASP (200 mg) resulted in a significant reduction in glucose levels from 324.09 ± 2.90 to 125.84 ± 3.37 mg/dL. Similarly, the combination of Met 50 mg + 100 mg ASP lowered FBG levels to 178.96 ± 3.53 mg/dL. The results of a 2-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the row and column factors (F(16, 125) = 192.6, p < 0.0001). Both combination therapies led to an initial decrease in body weight by day 7, followed by a subsequent recovery by day 28. In liver function test, both the combination therapies reduced AST (p < 0.05) and ALP enzyme levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The investigated combination therapy showed antidiabetic activities by improving glucose metabolism and liver function in rats.