Evaluation of anti-diabetic potential of Ficus arnottiana Miq. leaves against in-vivo and in-vitro experimental models of diabetes

The present study was aimed to investigate the potential anti-diabetic effects of Ficus arnottiana Miq. leaves against streptozotocin-induced diabetic model in experimental animals. The leaves of Ficus arnottiana were collected and processed into a powdered form, which was subsequently extracted using methanol as the solvent. The anti-diabetic activity of the resulting extract was evaluated at two oral doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) at two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg). The parameters assessed in this study included blood glucose levels, C-peptide levels, and serum insulin levels. Furthermore, pancreatic tissue samples were subjected to histopathological analysis. Additionally, in vitro determination of a-amylase and a-glucosidase inhibition by the extract was carried out. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, and saponins. For anti-diabetic activity, the test extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels while increasing both serum C-peptide and serum insulin levels. Histopathological analysis of extract treated group depicted improved islets of Langerhans and an increase in centrally located beta cells. Furthermore, the extract significantly inhibited a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzyme in-vitro. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Ficus arnottiana (Miq) leaves extract exhibits antidiabetic activity. And the anti-diabetic effect of Ficus arnottiana (Miq) at 400 mg/kg was comparable to that of the standard drugs Glibenclamide (in-vivo) and acarbose (in-vitro).