Pharmacotherapeutic effects of a Plant- derived Stem Cell (PDSC) in Fructose-fed Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires lifestyle modification and early intervention; however, interest in alternative therapeutic options such as plant-derived stem cells (PDSC) is increasing, despite limited supporting evidence. This study investigated the pharmacotherapeutic effects of PDSC in fructose-fed, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were pretreated with PDSC or distilled water (DW) for seven days prior to diabetes induction using 20% fructose and STZ (40 mg/kg, i.p.). Following induction, diabetic rats (n = 5 per group) were assigned to seven groups and treated with DW, glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), or PDSC (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was assessed at 7-day intervals. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated alongside glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum insulin, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Thigh skeletal muscle was harvested for glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) assay, the liver for glycogen estimation, and both the liver and pancreas for antioxidant analysis. Diabetic control rats showed a significant increase in FBG (361.70 ± 46.93 mg/dL) compared with normal controls (89.00 ± 1.29 mg/dL). Treatment with PDSC at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FBG by 51.42%, 68.21%, and 59.51%, respectively, while glibenclamide achieved a 73.68% reduction. PDSC treatment significantly increased serum insulin, hepatic glycogen, and GLUT-4 levels, and reduced HbA1c and HOMA-IR, indicating improved insulin sensitivity. No significant alterations were observed in hematological or biochemical parameters. Additionally, PDSC significantly (P < 0.05) increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the liver and pancreas. These findings suggest that PDSC exhibits promising anti-type 2 diabetic activity.