Effect of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta on chronic diabetes mellitus and associated cardiorenal damage in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Euphorbia hirta is a traditional medicine having unique combination of possible therapeutic action including antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antiobesity. The present study focuses to evaluate the therapeutic potency of ethanolic extract of E. hirta against diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated cardiorenal injury. Materials and Methods: DM was induced by administration of double cycle of repetitive (single injection for 3 alternative days in one cycle) dose of streptozotocin (20 mg/kg/i.p) in high-fat diet animals. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-peptide, and plasma insulin were measured to confirm the induction of DM. Serum lipid profile and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in diabetic animals. Diabetic animals were further evaluated for cardiorenal toxicity after 12 weeks by measuring creatine kinase MB, lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, respectively. Structural alteration was observed by histological assessments of pancreatic β-cells and cardiorenal tissues. Results: A significant increased level of fasting and postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c and decreased level of C-peptide and plasma insulin were observed in diabetic animals. Furthermore, diabetic animals showed abnormal lipid profile (dyslipidemia) and increase serum TBARS (oxidative stress). In addition, the increased level of cardiorenal biomarkers in diabetic animals confirmed the associated abnormalities. The treatment of E. hirta (400 mg/kg/p.o) significantly overcomes the perturbed level of hyperglycemic, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and cardiorenal biomarkers. Histological evaluation of pancreatic and cardiorenal tissue also validates the significant protection of E. hirta against DM and -induced cardiorenal toxicity. Discussion and Conclusion: Thus, E. hirta-induced cardiorenal protection may associate with its antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemia, and antioxidant potential.