Phenolic microencapsulation of Alhagi maurorum: a novel approach to enhancing diabetes nutrition therapy

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and impaired glucose homeostasis. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of microencapsulated phenolic-rich fractions from Alhagi maurorum (PRF-AM) as a novel nutritional therapy. Phenolic fractions were extracted and encapsulated using a combination of maltodextrin, modified starch, and whey protein concentrate via spray-drying, yielding uniform spherical microcapsules averaging 497.2 nm with 91% encapsulation efficiency. Key phenolics identified included gallic, caffeic, cinnamic, and ellagic acids, known for their antioxidant activity. In an alloxan-induced diabetic mouse model, oral administration of PRF-AM (100 mg/kg) for five weeks significantly reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL levels. Histopathological evaluation confirmed no adverse effects on liver, pancreas, or spleen tissues. Mechanistically, PRF-AM enhanced antioxidant defense by upregulating catalase and suppressing iNOS expression, alongside significant increases in GLUT2 and GLUT4 mRNA levels, promoting improved glucose transport and insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that microencapsulated phenolic compounds from A. maurorum offer a safe and effective adjunctive approach for diabetes management, combining metabolic regulation with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.