Evaluation of prediabetic activity of polyherbal capsules (DIASOL) in high fat diet and fructose fed rats

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to qualify for the diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk for developing fully grown type 2 diabetes associated with cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis and treatment at prediabetic stage can prevent it developing into diabetic stage. Herbal medicines containing antidiabetic plants can be explored as these have no or less side effects and can be taken for long period of time. Many of the plants have antioxidant activities which also help in delaying diabetic complications.

The present paper discusses evaluation of prediabetic activity of polyherbal capsules (Diasol) in prediabetic rats. The prediabetic condition was induced by giving High Fat Diet (HFD) and fructose in Wistar albino rats for 16 weeks. The high-fat diet is comprised of approximately 21% protein, 66.5% fat, and 12.5% of carbohydrates. The formulation contains the extracts prepared from the plants Gymnema sylvester, Momordica charantia, Syzygium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Trigonella foenum graecum, Azadirachta indica, Cinnamomum tamala, Piper longum and Shilajit. The capsules were given orally for four weeks along with HFD. The pioglitazone was given to a standard control group. The prediabetic rats treated with Diasol capsules showed decrease in blood glucose levels to normal range the results are comparable with piolgitazone. It also showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in lipid level (TG and TC). The improved levels of urea and serum creatinine and the liver markers (i.e. AST and ALT) signify that the formulation also improved the renal and liver dysfunction associated with prediabetic hyperglycemia. The histopathological study showed no abnormalities in the vital organs i.e. liver, kidney and pancreas. Hence it can be concluded that Diasol capsules formulation is a promising candidate for the treatment of prediabetic conditions.