Targeting Diabetes and Novel Therapeutics

Biography

Biography: Vir Vikram Sharma

Abstract

Diabetes-related complications represent one of the most important health problems worldwide with dire projections. The aim of present study was directed to assess the possible beneficial effect, if any, of Momordica charantia, Emblica officinalis, Tribulus terrestris and Trigonella foenum graecium extracts alone and in combination against STZ induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg; i. p). Diabetic nephropathy was developed eight weeks after STZ administration. The herbal extracts of Momordica charantia (100 & 250 mg/kg), Emblica officinalis (100 & 250 mg/kg), Tribulus terrestris (100 & 250 mg/kg) and Trigonella foenum graecum (100 & 250 mg/kg) were administered orally. Diabetic nephropathy was assessed by measuring kidney weight/body weight ratio, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinary albumin and oxidative stress (LPO, GSH and nitrite). STZ administration significantly altered kidney weight/body weight ratio, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinary albumin and oxidative stress after eight weeks. Treatment with herbal extracts of Momordica charantia (100 & 250 mg/kg), Emblica officinalis (100 & 250 mg/kg), Tribulus terrestris (100 & 250 mg/kg) and Trigonella foenum graecum (100 & 250 mg/kg) alone and in combination significantly prevented the development of diabetic nephropathy. The present study highlights the significant role of herbal extracts in ameliorating the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, it can be concluded that Momordica charantia, Emblica officinalis, Tribulus terrestris and Trigonella foenum graecum can be used as adjuvant or prophylactic therapy in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.