5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and aqueous extract of () ameliorate diabetes and associated complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

UNLABELLED

The present study evaluated the effects of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and aqueous extract on diabetes. An in silico docking study with select bioactive compounds showed strong binding affinities of folates with glucose metabolism-related proteins. In vitro assay showed 5-MTHF's superior inhibitory activity on alpha-amylase compared to folic acid. The protective effect of aqueous extract and 5-MTHF were validated in vivo using an STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. Supplementation with extract through diet, and a higher dose of 5-MTHF through gavage effectively lowered fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance and amylase content. Supplementation also countered hyperlipidemia, improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the inflammatory markers. Weight loss prevention, mitigation of kidney enlargement, and normalisation of the histology of the pancreas, kidney, and liver were also observed. The ameliorative effect of a higher dose of 5-MTHF was comparatively superior to aqueous extract and a corresponding higher dose of folic acid. An increase in serum folate levels on supplementation with aqueous extract suggests to be a source of bioavailable folate. The positive effect of aqueous extract suggests a potential synergistic role for folate along with its other bioactive phytochemicals. The study highlights the potential ameliorative effects of aqueous extract and 5-MTHF as a dietary supplement on diabetes and associated complications.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04170-9.