Antidiabetic activity of nano herbal extract of Ocimum basilicum L on rat induced streptozotocin

Antihyperglycemic effects of a nanoherbal formulation derived from Ocimum basilicum L in managing Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a growing global health concern. With DM cases projected to rise sharply, this experimental research is timely, especially in Indonesia which has a high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes.

In the study, seven groups of rats (each with five rats weighing 200-250 grams) were utilized: a normal group, a negative control group, a positive control group treated with metformin, and four experimental groups treated with varying doses of the nanoherbal formulation (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight). The diabetic state was induced using a combination of Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nicotinamide (NCT), elevating blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL.

The results were promising. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, an indicator of oxidative stress, were highest in the group receiving the 200 mg/kg body weight dose of the nanoherbal treatment, surpassing even the metformin group. Similarly, insulin levels were most elevated in the 200 mg/kg body weight nanoherbal group, matching the control group and suggesting a substantial antidiabetic effect. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, decreased significantly with the nanoherbal treatment, with the 200 mg/kg dose nearly restoring normal values.

These findings highlight the potential of the tomato-based nanoherbal formulation as a therapeutic option for diabetes management. However, the mechanisms of action and potential for human application require further investigation.