Clerodendrum infortunatum Attenuates Pancreatic Oxidative Stress and Dysregulated Carbohydrate Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate and is gravely troubling human health and quality of life. Side effects of synthetic hypoglycemic agents have led to investigations on alternative sources such as herbal drugs in treating diabetes. Anti-diabetic properties of Clerodendrum infortunatum in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes were evaluated and compared with the standard anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide. Aqueous extract of C. infortunatum on carbohydrate metabolism revealed its hypoglycemic effect in diabetic conditions. Furthermore, it could significantly modulate insulin secretion, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism for effective glucose homeostasis. Notably, the drug could accelerate the activities of major antioxidant enzymes and reduce the content of lipid peroxidation products in the pancreas. The study proves the efficacy of C. infortunatum as a potent source of phytochemicals in ameliorating diabetic complications and suggests the medicinal plant as a nutraceutical agent.