The therapeutics effects and toxic risk of

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Natural Product Research
• Diabetology

Background:

• Growing global interest in hypoglycemic plants for diabetes management.
• Traditional use of Heracleum persicum (HP) for antidiabetic effects in Turkey.
• Lack of scientific data on HP's antidiabetic efficacy and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of HP lyophilized extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats.
• To evaluate HP's antioxidant properties and toxic risk potential.
• To assess HP's impact on diabetes complications and related biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Induction of diabetes in rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg).
• Administration of HP lyophilized extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg.
• Measurement of serum biomarkers (glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver/renal enzymes), antioxidant status, and α-glucosidase activity.

Main Results:

• HP extract significantly reduced blood glucose, HbA1c, and MDA levels in diabetic rats.
• HP extract partially restored insulin and c-peptide levels and antioxidant defense system constituents.
• Significant increases in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) were observed in HP-treated groups, suggesting hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Heracleum persicum extract demonstrates therapeutic benefits for certain diabetes complications.
• HP extract may induce hepatocyte damage, impacting liver function and membrane permeability.
• Further research is needed to balance therapeutic effects with potential toxic risks.