Evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms crude hydroethanolic extract in alloxan induced diabetic mice

Abstract

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, a member of the Araliaceae family, is commonly grown in Vietnam for both culinary and medicinal use. The leaf extracts of P. fruticosa exhibit various beneficial properties, including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and molluscicidal effects. Additionally, these extracts demonstrate inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, making them potential candidates for antidiabetic interventions. Nevertheless, The effects of P. fruticosa extract on hypoglycemia have received little attention. Therefore, This study's objectives were to determine the hypoglycemic impact of the P. fruticosa hydroethanolic extract, filling the existing knowledge gap in this area. One approach to treating diabetes is by inhibiting the action of enzymes such as α-amylases and α-glucosidases, which are responsible for glucose metabolism. This inhibition helps prevent the increase in blood glucose levels after meals and also leads to a hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. α-amylase inhibitory activity was found at concentration from 5 to 200 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 20.62 ± 0.91 µg/mL) while acarbose was found at 10 to 100 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 66.07 ± 2.87 µg/mL). α-glucosidase inhibitory activities was found that at concentration from 200 to 1000 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 927.30 ± 9.96 µg/mL) while acarbose was found at 25 to 400 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 45.26 ± 1.42 µg/mL). P. fruticosa extract was administered orally to rats with alloxan-induced hyperglycemia at dosages ranging from 50 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg. The findings demonstrated that the extract, when administered at a dosage of 250 mg/kg, had the highest hypoglycemic impact, significantly lowering blood sugar levels over a 20-day period by 72%, from 362.00 ±20.97 mg/dL to 103.00 ±5.29 mg/dL. This study provides scientific results on the hypoglycemic activity of P. fruticosa (L.) Harms in order to preserve, develop and effectively exploit this source of medicinal herbs in the production of drugs with quality, safety, and reasonable prices that promote people's health. At the same time, take advantage of the rich source of medicinal herbs in Vietnam.