Investigating the antidiabetic properties of Apium graveolens extract and its inhibition of enzymes associated with hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND

Apium graveolens Linn., also known as celery, is a member of the Apiaceae family and has shown promising pharmacological properties, including diabetes. Indeed, the current investigation aimed to investigate the potential inhibitory effects of A. graveolens seed aqueous extract on the digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and its efficiency in reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin.

METHODS

I administered oral doses of an aqueous extract from A. graveolens seeds to both normal and diabetic animals to evaluate acute toxicity and its potential antidiabetic effects. I observed the glycemia and body weight of the animals for four weeks. In vitro tests were also done to see how the seed extract affected the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Following administration of the extract, diabetic mice showed a notable reduction in blood glucose concentration. This reduction was similar to the standard metformin treatment after two and four weeks. Moreover, A. graveolens demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, with IC values of 840.15 ± 0.02 and 114.81 ± 0.05, respectively. At 500 mg/kg/day, histological analysis indicated degenerative alterations in pancreatic islet cells. These results indicate that the aqueous extract derived from the seeds of A. graveolens possesses promising antihyperglycemic properties in diabetic mice, along with notable inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Further investigation is needed to characterize the active compounds present in A. graveolens seeds.