Phytochemical Profiling and Antidiabetic Potential of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Carissa carandas in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: Evaluation of Hepato-Renal Biomarkers

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective potential of an aqueous fruit extract of Carissa carandas in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using STZ, and experimental animals were treated with graded doses of the extract or glibenclamide as a standard drug. Both acute and sub-chronic studies were conducted to assess fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, liver function enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), and renal function markers (urea, uric acid, and creatinine). Diabetic control rats exhibited a significant elevation in fasting blood glucose levels compared to normal controls. Acute administration of C. carandas extract produced a significant time-dependent antihyperglycemic effect, with maximal activity observed at the 5th hour post-treatment. Among the tested doses, 1000 mg/kg body weight demonstrated the highest efficacy. In the sub-chronic study, 21-day administration of the extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, bringing them closer to near-normal values, comparable to glibenclamide treatment. The extract also exhibited mild hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic rats. Furthermore, treatment effectively prevented diabetes-induced body weight loss. STZ-induced diabetes resulted in significant elevations in hepatic (AST, ALT) and renal biomarkers (urea, uric acid, and creatinine), indicating organ dysfunction. Treatment with C. carandas extract significantly normalized these altered biochemical parameters, with effects comparable to the standard drug. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the aqueous fruit extract of Carissa carandas possesses potent antihyperglycemic activity and provides significant hepato-renal protection in experimental diabetes, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the management of diabetes and its associated complications.