Over 10 decades, diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. The limitations of conventional anti-diabetic therapies necessitate the search for plant-based alternatives with minimal side effects. This study investigated the anti-diabetic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Hoslundia opposita in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study employed a controlled experimental design involving five groups of male Wistar rats: normal control, diabetic control, and diabetic rats treated with Hoslundia opposita extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight), and the treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Key parameters assessed included fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, body weight, oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, and MDA), and pancreatic histology. The results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, with the 200 mg/kg dose achieving a 53% reduction comparable to glibenclamide (55%). Treated groups also exhibited improved body weight and significantly enhanced SOD and CAT activities, alongside reduced MDA levels. Histological analysis demonstrated β-cell regeneration and preservation in treated groups. These effects are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds in Hoslundia opposita with hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Hoslundia opposita as a natural remedy for diabetes management. Further studies are recommended to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and evaluate its clinical applicability.
Key words: Hoslundia opposita, diabetes mellitus, alloxan-induced diabetic rats, methanol extract, oxidative stress, pancreatic β-cells, natural remedies.
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