Islet protective and insulin secretion property of Murraya koenigii and Ocimum tenuflorum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

The present study investigates the antidiabetogenic effects of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spr. and Ocimum tenuflorum L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Swiss mice. Treatment with extracts of M. koenigii (chloroform; MKC) and O. tenuflorum (aqueous; OTA) resulted in proper glucose utilization with an increase in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activity, and normal glycogenesis in hepatic and muscle tissues. Pancreatic and intestinal glucosidase inhibitory activity observed with MKC and OTA treatment indicated beneficial effects in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia with concomitant improvement in glucose metabolism. The glucosidase inhibition was prolonged, even after discontinuation of MKC and OTA treatment. Normalization of plasma insulin and C-peptide levels was observed in diabetic mice, indicating endogenous insulin secretion after treatment. The histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic islets suggests the role of MKC and OTA in pancreatic β-cell protection and the functional pancreatic islets that produce insulin. The study demonstrates the significance of MKC and OTA in glucosidase inhibition and islet protection in the murine diabetic model. These findings suggest the potential of the extracts in adjuvant therapy for the treatment of diabetes and the possible development of potential neutraceuticals.