Protective role of methanolic extract of Cleome viscosa L. and Cleome gynandra L. on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in STZ - induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extracts of Cleome viscosa L. (MeCV) and Cleome gynandra L.  (MeCG) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Over 28 days, body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. Additionally, key metabolic enzyme activities, including fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP-1,6), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P), hexokinase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PDH), were analyzed to assess hepatoprotective effects. Results: On the 28th day, diabetic control rats exhibited severe hyperglycaemia (402±11.41 mg/dL) and significant weight loss (108.33±4.01 g). MeCV-treated rats (400 mg/kg b.w.) showed a slight weight increase (+0.92%) and a substantial reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, demonstrating better glycemic control than MeCG. Compared to diabetic controls, MeCV significantly increased hexokinase and G-6-P activity by 55.82% and 127.15%, respectively, while reducing G-6PDH and FBP-1,6 activity, supporting its role in glucose metabolism regulation. MeCV and MeCG restored total carbohydrate levels in liver tissues, counteracting STZ-induced depletion. However, MeCV was more effective, nearly matching glibenclamide in enhancing glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. It also normalized hepatic glucose and glycogen levels more efficiently than MeCG, likely by improving insulin sensitivity and modulating key metabolic enzymes. Conclusion: These findings highlight MeCV’s strong antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective potential, making it a promising candidate for diabetes management. Further research is needed to identify its active compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action.