Baicalin: A potential therapeutic agent for diabetes and renal protection

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease manifested by raised glucose levels in the blood and impaired insulin function leading to various organ complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Baicalin, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has garnered substantial attention for its diverse beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti- apoptotic properties, etc. Intriguingly, in vivo studies in rats have further unveiled baicalin’s potential to directly modulate pancreatic beta cells, suggesting a promising role as an anti-diabetic agent.Objective: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the anti-diabetic effect of baicalin, focusing on key parameters such as plasma insulin levels, glucose levels, hemoglobin, and glycated hemoglobin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, we sought to explore Baicalin’s ability to provide renal protection by evaluating serum renal markers. Methodology: This study involved a total of 30 Wistar albino male rats. Diabetes was created in rats by a single intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg). After 72 hours, the rats with diabetes were segregated into four treatment groups (Group II to Group V) comprising 6 animals each. Group I consists of six normal control rats (without diabetes). The groups received different treatment protocols, including normal saline, DMSO, Baicalin (50 mg/kg/day), and glibenclamide (6 mg/kg/day) for 45 days. Throughout the study, meticulous observations were made regarding the animals’ general appearance, body weight, behavior, and their fasting glucose levels in venous blood.Results: Oral dosing with Baicalin at the rate of 50 mg/kg body weight revealed notable enhancements in insulin secretion and hemoglobin levels, alongside notable reductions in blood levels of glucose and glycated hemoglobin compared to the glibenclamide-treated type 2 diabetic rats. Additionally, Baicalin displayed a protective action on renal tissue, as shown by reduced serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels.Conclusion: Our investigation unveils Baicalin’s potential as a promising anti-diabetic agent with the added benefit of renal tissue protection. The observed improvements in various physiological parameters warrant further exploration of Baicalin’s therapeutic mechanisms and clinical applications, presenting it as a compelling candidate for diabetes management and diabetic nephropathy prevention. IAEC Approval No: AVMC/IAEC/2019/07/25/08 Keywords: Baicalin, Blood glucose, Diabetes, Male wistar rats, Streptozotocin