EVALUATION OF ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF MALUS DOMESTICA IN COMPARISON WITH GLIBENCLAMIDE

Abstract

The increasing frequency of diabetes mellitus has generated an urgent demand for new and efficient treatment approaches, especially those originating from natural sources. Malus domestica (apple) has attracted interest for its possible antidiabetic effects because of its rich presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary fibers, which are recognized for their roles in regulating glucose metabolism and providing antioxidant defense. This research aimed to explore the hypoglycemic properties of Malus domestica extract using an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model, which is commonly employed to simulate type 1 diabetes by specifically destroying pancreatic beta cells. The extract was obtained through the Soxhlet extraction method, which guarantees an optimal concentration of bioactive components. The study was carried out over a period of 15 days, during which the rats were categorized into four groups (n=4 for each group): a control group that received no interventions, a diabetic control group, a standard treatment group that was given Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), and treatment groups that received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Malus domestica extract. Fasting blood glucose levels were recorded at baseline and at various points during the study to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of the treatments. The results showed that Malus domestica extract dramatically reduced fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats; the 400 mg/kg dose had the most impact, almost matching that of the common oral hypoglycemic medication Glibenclamide. The inhibition of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, which lowers the absorption of glucose, increased insulin sensitivity, and antioxidant activity, which shields beta cells in the pancreas from damage caused by oxidative stress, are some possible reasons for this effect. These encouraging outcomes indicate that Malus domestica extract could act as a natural treatment option for managing diabetes. Nonetheless, additional clinical studies are needed to establish its long-term effectiveness, ideal dosage, and safety profile in humans, setting the stage for its possible inclusion in complementary diabetes treatment approaches.