Hypoglycaemic, Insulin Modulation and Antioxidant Potentials of Ricinus communis L. Extracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Male Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Diabetes is a multifaceted disorder causing insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance leading to complications such as oxidative stress. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of methanolic leaf extract of Ricinus communis L. (MERC) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats, comparing its efficacy with metformin. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 rats were split up into 5 groups: G1 rats were given dimethyl sulphuroxide (DMSO); G2 rats were given STZ-induced diabetes; G3 rats were given metformin; G4 rats were given MERC treatment; and G5 rats were given MERC alone for 21 days. Following the experiment, blood samples were taken for measurements of blood glucose, insulin and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and lipid peroxidation’s index malonaldehyde (MDA) were assayed. Results: Along with decreased antioxidant enzyme levels, G2 demonstrated significant increases (p<0.05) in FBG, HbA1c, oxidative stress markers. Compared to G2, G5 displayed improvements in oxidative stress markers and insulin levels. Comparing G4 to G3, the latter showed higher (p<0.05) levels of antioxidant enzymes and decreased levels of FBG.Conclusion:Methanolic extract of Ricinus communis L. significantly improved blood glucose and antioxidant status in diabetic male Wistar rats, comparable to metformin and sometimes even better than metformin. This suggests potential as a natural alternative or complementary diabetes treatment, warranting further research and clinical trials in humans.