<i>In-vivo</i> hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the whole plant methanolic extract of <i>Neptunia prostrata</i> Linn

This study investigates the <i>in vivo</i> hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of the whole plant <i>Neptunia prostrata</i> (NPME) using the Wistar albino rat model. Acute toxicity evaluation confirmed the safety of the extract, with no behavioral or physiological abnormalities observed. In the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model, treatment with NPME significantly lowered serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to silymarin. The antidiabetic activity of NPME was evaluated in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats, where NPME significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance over a 21-day period. Restoration of serum α-amylase, SGPT, SGOT, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels further supported its metabolic efficacy. Histopathological studies of liver, kidney, and heart tissue in treated rats revealed improved cellular architecture and reduced pathological alterations. Anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by significantly inhibiting carrageenan-induced paw edema, indicating possible modulation of cyclooxygenase-mediated pathways. Treatment with NPME downregulated IL-6 and upregulated IL-10. Overall, the findings highlight the broad-spectrum pharmacological activity of <i>N. prostrata</i> in the rat model, supporting its potential use as a plant-based therapeutic for managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation.