Effects of the Anti-diabetic Polyherbal (Ruzu Bitters) on Glucose, Hepatic and Renal Parameters in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: This study evaluated the effects of the anti-diabetic polyherbal (Ruzu Bitters) on glucose, hepatic and renal parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology: A total of 35 male Albino rats weighing between 120-140 g were used for this study. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan-monohydrate (140 mg/kg body weight). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using Reitman-Frankel method, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using the colorimetric phenolphthalein method. The electrolytes, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (CL-) were determined using ion selective electrode (ISE) method. Urea was determined using Urease bertholet method. Creatinine was determined using the Jaffe-Slot method. Phytochemical analysis was done on the herbal mixture, using classical methods.

Results: The results revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins in the polyherbal mixture ruzu bitters. FPG levels in the negative control and the treatment groups were significantly lower when compared to the diabetic control. FPG levels were significantly higher in Group 3 and group 4, but showed no significant difference in group 5, compared to the negative control. ALT, AST and ALP levels were significantly higher in the diabetic control and treatment groups, compared to the negative control, except for Group 3 which showed no significant difference. Treatment groups 4 and 5 had significantly higher ALT levels compared to the diabetic control. Also, AST levels in groups 4 and 5 were not significantly different from the diabetic control. Group 4 had significantly higher Na+ and Cl- levels compared to both the negative control and diabetic control groups. Urea levels in the diabetic control and all treatment groups were significantly higher than the negative control. Group 3 had significantly lower urea levels, groups 4 and 5 had significantly higher urea levels compared to the diabetic control. Treatment groups 4 and 5 had significantly higher urea and creatinine values compared to the diabetic control.

Conclusion: Administration of 140 mg/kg body weight of alloxan-monohydrate produced significant diabetes in the Albino rats with electrolyte imbalance and elevated urea, creatinine and liver enzyme levels. Treatment with the polyherbal ruzu bitters and glibenclamide had equipotent anti-hyperglycaemic effects. Glibenclamide had hepatoprotective effects on the liver, however, ruzu bitters negatively impacted the liver of the diabetic rats. Also, the combination therapy worsened liver parameters as ruzu bitters reduced the beneficial effects of glibenclamide. Ruzu bitters was nephrotoxic as it exacerbated the renal parameters of the diabetic rats. Authorities should ensure proper evaluation of anti-diabetic herbal products and care should be taken in their use/combination with orthodox drugs, as they could pose public health risk.