Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the β-cell protective effects of ethanol extracts of Cassia siamea (Fabaceae) leaves (LECS). Initially, acute toxicity of LECS (2000 mg/kg/day/bw; po) was assessed in rats. In vitro, antioxidant activity was evaluated on HUVEC cultures. Subsequently, acute hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic properties were examined for three doses of LECS (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/bw; po) in Wistar rats, along with an assessment of its impact on intestinal glucose absorption. In the third phase, oral treatment with LECS (200 mg/kg/day/bw; po) was conducted for 4 weeks in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg/day/bw; po) as the standard drug control. Various parameters, including fasting blood glucose, body weight, food intake, lipid profile, and biomarkers of liver and kidney functions, were determined. Additionally, histological analysis of pancreatic islets was performed. The data analysis revealed that C. siamea did not induce adverse effects or mortality in rats at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. Furthermore, LECS significantly prevented oral glucose-induced hyperglycemia, reduced intestinal glucose absorption, and improved lipid profile in diabetic rats. Although the extracts did not significantly modify body weight, they effectively reversed hyperglycemia, enhanced pancreatic islet size and granulation, and exhibited antioxidant properties by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HUVEC. Overall, these findings suggest that the ethanol extract of C. siamea leaves may have potential in managing diabetes through its antioxidant properties, improvement of β-cell function, and reduction of intestinal glucose absorption.

Key words: Cassia siamea, diabetes, HUVEC, rat wistar, antihyperglycemic, pancreatic β-Cells.