Antidiabetic and nephroprotective potential of polyherbal self-fermented Ariṣṭa formulation: Evidence-based research

Background: Ayurvedic Ariṣṭa preparations hold an age-old heritage in the prevention and cure of metabolic disorders and associated complications. Aim: The aim of the study was to study the antidiabetic activity of a self-fermented Ariṣṭa preparation (DB-07) and its potential in preventing or curing diabetes-induced nephropathy in experimental models. Materials and Methods: Rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used for studying the various dose effects of DB-07 (2.5, 3, and 3.5 ml/kg/day) in preventive and therapeutic treatment schedules. Metformin (500 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. Fasting blood glucose and biochemical parameters such as blood protein, urea, uric acid, and creatinine were accessed by various biochemical tests. In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assay and 2-deoxy glucose uptake assay using rat L6 myotubes were studied for determining the antidiabetic mechanism of action. Results: A dose-dependent and statistically significant effect on lowering the fasting blood glucose level was observed in both preventive and therapeutic scheduled treatments. Treatment with DB-07 significantly reversed the altered biochemical parameters and the effects were comparable to metformin-treated rats. DB-07 exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes with an IC50 values of 10.93 μg/ml and 8.73 μg/ml, respectively. DB-07 also showed glucose uptake potential (ca. 70% activity at 125 μg/ml) in differentiated L6 myotubes. Conclusions: These observations have revealed the antidiabetic and nephroprotective potential of DB-07. DB-07 can be a potential herbal alternative to maintain a healthy blood glucose level and will prove useful in diabetes-associated renal complications.