Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity Of Hibiscus And Ginger on Streptozocin Induced Diabetes in Rats.

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Hibiscus and Ginger extracts, individually and in combination, on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, using Metformin as a standard drug for comparison. The effects were assessed through key metabolic parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, HbA1c, and insulin levels over four weeks.
Methods:
STZ was used to induce diabetes in experimental rats. The animals were divided into six groups: Normal Control, Diabetic Control, Hibiscus Treated (200 mg/kg), Ginger Treated (200 mg/kg), Combined Treatment (Hibiscus + Ginger, 200 mg/kg each), and Standard Drug (Metformin, 100 mg/kg). FBG, body weight, HbA1c, and insulin levels were recorded at baseline, and weekly up to week 4.
Results:
Diabetic Control rats showed persistent hyperglycemia, weight loss, and worsened metabolic markers. Treatment with Hibiscus and Ginger extracts significantly reduced FBG and HbA1c, and improved body weight and insulin levels, with the combination treatment yielding a synergistic effect. By week 4, the Combined Treatment group demonstrated a maximum reduction in FBG (from 285 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL), comparable to the Metformin group (300 mg/dL to 105 mg/dL). Other parameters, such as HbA1c and body weight, also improved significantly in the treatment groups compared to the Diabetic Control.
Conclusion:
Hibiscus and Ginger extracts exhibit significant antidiabetic properties in STZ-induced diabetic rats, with the combination therapy showing synergistic effects comparable to Metformin. These findings suggest the potential use of these herbal extracts as complementary or alternative treatments for diabetes. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications.