Assessment of antidiabetic activity of Zingiber officinale and Cajanus cajan leaf extracts in the alloxan-diabetic rats

Abstract

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition marked by heightened levels of blood glucose, also known as hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress, which promotes some complications, both microangiopathy and macroangiopathy impairments. This study assesses the antidiabetic activity of Z. officinale (ginger) and C. cajan (pigeon pea) leaf extracts in alloxan-diabetic rats. This study used 25 male rats. Rats were allocated into five groups: negative control group (C), diabetes mellitus group (DM), DM treated with glibenclamide (G), DM treated with ginger (60 mg/kg BW) and pigeon pea leaf (300 mg/kg BW) extract (E1), DM treated with ginger (125 mg/kg BW) and pigeon pea leaf (300 mg/kg BW) extract (E2). 110 mg/kg BW alloxan was used to induce diabetic conditions in rats. The administrations were given for a duration of 28 days. The E1 group showed the best results in parameters of antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity, and it significantly increased body weight, insulin level, and the number of beta cells in diabetic rats. This study suggested that Z. officinale and C. cajan leaf extracts could be used as antidiabetic agents for producing such functional food or drinks for controlling and maintaining blood glucose levels.