Launaea taraxacifolia LEAF PARTITIONS ATTENUATES HYPERGLYCEMIA VIA REDUCTION IN BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS, WITH CONCOMITANT UP-REGULATION OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLIZING ENZYMES

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Launaea taraxacifolia, a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated potential antidiabetic properties, but its effects on key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of L. taraxacifolia leaf solvent partitions on serum glucose levels and carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-five Wistar male rats were rendered diabetic via a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). The rats were divided into six groups: untreated diabetic controls, diabetic rats treated with standard drugs (metformin and gliclazide), and those treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg of methanol or n-hexane leaf partitions for 7 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight were monitored, and the activities of key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in the serum were analyzed. Renal tissues underwent histopathological examination. Results showed that the diabetic control group had significant hyperglycemia (FBG > 200 mg/dL) and decreased activities of enzymes such as amylase, glut-6- phosphatase, fructose-1,6-phosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, ATPase, and ENTPase compared to controls. Treatment with Launaea taraxacifolia notably ameliorated hyperglycemia, up-regulated enzyme activities closer to normal levels, and reduced renal lesions. Among the treatments, the low dose of methanol and high dose of n-hexane partitions were most effective, demonstrating potent antihyperglycemic effects possibly through modulation of key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate processing. Findings indicated that partitions of L. taraxacifolia exhibited potent antihyperglycemic effects in diabetic rats, which could likely be through modulation of key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate processing.