ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF Tragia involucrata Linn IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC SWISS ALBINO MICE

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health challenge associated with chronic hyperglycemia, which arises from systemic failure of insulin secretion, action or both. Although conventional treatments are available, many have important adverse effects and are unavailable, especially in developing regions. Hence, there is a critical need for such therapies to be obtained from natural sources. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antidiabetic efficacy, lipid profile and toxicity effects of dichloromethane (DCM) leafy extracts of Tragia involucrata Linn (T. involucrata) in alloxan-induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. T. involucrata is a plant traditionally used by the Abagusii community of Kenya for management of diabetes and inflammation. GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including phytol, beta sitosterol, and squalene, known to influence glucose and lipid metabolism through antioxidant and receptor-mediated pathways. Extract treatment led to significant glycemic control and improved lipid profiles, marked by reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C and elevated HDL-C. Acute and subacute toxicity assessments showed no mortality or behavioral or systemic toxicity across doses up to 2000 mg/kg bw. Body and organ weight stability, alongside normal biochemical markers, indicated metabolic tolerance. These results validate the potential of T. involucrata as a viable plant-based therapeutic agent for the management of diabetes and its associated dyslipidemia. The results warrant further investigations including clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic potential and to identify lead compounds that are crucial for drug discovery and development.