Evaluating the Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe niebuhriana Latex in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats and the Development of a Novel Effervescent Granule-Based Delivery System.

Abstract

Background: Ethnomedicine exhibits potential in developing affordable effective antidiabetic agents. Aim: This work aimed to explore the antidiabetic properties of Aloe niebuhriana latex extract both in vivo, utilizing alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and in vitro, through α-amylase enzyme testing. Additionally, it sought to formulate optimal effervescent granules derived from the extract. Methods: The α-amylase inhibition assay was performed using the α-amylase kit using biochemical analyzers. Experimental diabetes was induced in animals with alloxan. On Day 14 postdiabetes induction, body weight, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile parameters were determined. Also, six effervescent granule preparations of the extract were formulated using wet granulation. Based on its physical and organoleptic properties, a formulation was selected and optimized. Results: The extract displayed modest α-amylase inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 439.2 μg/mL. Both doses of A. niebuhriana extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose level compared to their respective Day 1 levels (p < 0.001). Moreover, the extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly normalized lipid profile compared to the diabetic control groups (p < 0.05 - 0.001). Six formulations containing the extract were prepared (F1-F6), and F6 containing 200 mg of the extract was selected for optimization due to its favorable odor, taste, foaming, and effervescent properties, high solubility, and absence of turbidity and adhesion. The formulated F6 granules successfully met the quality parameters assessed including flow time, pH effervescent time, angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, and Hausner's ratio. Conclusion: This study highlights the antidiabetic potential of A. niebuhriana latex extract, potentially attributed to its hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and α-amylase inhibitory effects. The successful formulation and evaluation of the extract as effervescent granules suggest its potential as an antidiabetic drug.