Evaluation of Lipid Profile Modulation by Berberis asiatica, Withania somnifera, and Their Synergy in Type 2 Diabetic...

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, leading to complications such as dyslipidemia, which increases cardiovascular risks. Current treatments for dyslipidemia often have undesirable side effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Berberis asiatica (BA), Withania somnifera (WS), and their combination in the ratio of 1:1 on the lipid profile in T2DM-induced Wistar rats. Additionally, the study investigates the potential synergistic effects of these two herbs. Materials and methods Mature albino Wistar rats of both sexes were employed, weighing 150-250 g. Rats were obtained from the Central Animal House of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences and kept under standard laboratory conditions. The study was conducted per the guidelines set by the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA). T2DM was induced using streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NIC). Thirteen groups of rats were formed, including normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and various treatment groups received varying dosages of BA, WS, their polyherbal combination (PHC), and the conventional medications metformin (MET) and glimepiride (GLI). Lipid profiles were measured, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Results The study revealed that both BA and WS showed statistically significant lipid-lowering effects in diabetic rats. The BA-treated groups displayed a statistically significant and considerable decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to the DC group. Similarly, WS-treated groups also showed statistically significant reduced levels of TC and LDL, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The PHC of BA and WS exhibited enhanced lipid-lowering effects compared to individual treatments. No significant differences in triglyceride (TG) levels were observed among the treatment groups. Conclusion BA and WS, individually and in combination, effectively modulate lipid profiles in T2DM rats. Their synergistic effects provide a promising alternative for managing dyslipidemia in diabetic patients. Further research is needed to determine the clinical consequences of these findings.