In Vivo and in Vitro Evaluation of Achyranthes Bidentata Leaf Extract as a Potential Antidiabetic Agent

Abstract

Background: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Abb) is a renowned medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine. The molecular mechanism associated with the anti-diabetic potential of Abb is yet to be determined. In this study, we elucidated the in vivo and in vitro anti-diabetic potential of the methanolic leaf extract of Abb (Abb-ME) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice and HepG2 cells. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed to identify the metabolites in the Abb-ME. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in mice using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Diabetic parameters (blood glucose, body weight, lipid profile, hematological indices, histopathological changes) were observed post Abb-ME administration. The in vitro study included glucose uptake assay and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of glucose transporters 2 (GLUT2) gene expression in HepG2 cells. Results: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids (44.89 ± 3.9 mg/g extract), carbohydrates, proteins, phenols (60.3 ± 1.2 mg/g extract), and steroids. The results showed that the Abb-ME treatment group (500 mg/kg) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) reductions in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control and Glibenclamide group. Other diabetic parameters, such as body weights and lipid profiles, were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the Abb-ME treated group (500 mg/kg) compared to the diabetic control mice. The altered hematological indices, including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Total White Blood Cell (TWBC), and White Blood Cell (WBC) differentials, observed in the diabetic control group were normalized after Abb-ME administration. These findings revealed that Abb-ME treatment effectively resolved several aberrant hematological indices associated with diabetes. Histopathological analysis of mice pancreas confirmed increased acini cell density, β-cell counts, and clear border formations between the endocrine and exocrine regions following Abb-ME treatment. In vitro studies showed significant (p < 0.05) glucose uptake (169.6%, 100 μg/mL) in HepG2 cells following Abb-ME treatment compared to the control (100%). GLUT2 gene expression was increased (1.28-fold) following Abb-ME treatment relative to the control. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Abb-ME possesses antidiabetic potential, providing a basis for further studies and applications.