Synergistic Effects of Metformin and Citrus limon Aqueous Extract on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Liver and Renal Function, and Histopathology in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus represents a global health issue and is described as a state in which there is a high level of glucose in the body because of difficulties in either the use or the production of insulin. It remains a major challenge for healthcare professionals to manage diabetes mellitus, and this study was carried out in order to find out the effect of Metformin and aqueous extracts of Citrus limon on the management of diabetes mellitus in mice made diabetic by streptozotocin. Methods: The streptozotocin (45 mg/kg BW) was given to Wistar albino mice to induce diabetes. Four groups of mice were created through random allocation, including the diabetic control group, the metformin group (850 mg/70 kg BW), the Citrus limon extract group (100 mg/kg BW), and the combination therapy group (425 mg/70 kg BW metformin + 50 mg/kg BW Citrus limon). Oral administration once a day for three weeks was done in all the four groups. Diagnosis of fasting blood glucose, lipids, liver enzymes, renal markers, and tissue analysis was performed. Results: Compared with separate treatments, combination therapy led to a significant improvement in the metabolic parameters. Mice subjects that were given both metformin and a extract from Citrus limon had lower levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and of the liver and kidney markers, while their HDL and albumin levels rose. The histopathological analysis showed that the structure of the organs was better preserved in the group receiving the combination treatment. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the combination of metformin and Citrus limon aqueous extract has strong potential to improve glycemic control, lipid profile, and organ health in diabetic mice. This synergistic therapy may serve as a promising biogenic approach for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.