Phytochemical Fingerprints by GC-MS, Antidiabetic and Multiorgan Protective Effects of Cucumis sativus Peel: An...

The present research study explored antidiabetic, antioxidant, and organ-protective properties of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) peel powder (CPP) and ethanol extract of cucumber peel extract (CPE) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (DR). Chemical profiling of C. sativus peel was done by using GC-MS. The male albino rats (n = 36) were split into six groups, which includes normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), CPP 5 mg/kg oral gavage (CPP-5), CPP 10 mg/kg (CPP10), Cucumis ethanolic extract 5 mL/day (CPE5), and Cucumis ethanolic extract 10 mL/day (CE-10). Treatment was applied over a period of 28 days by oral gavage after the induction of alloxan (150 mg/kg). A histopathological study was performed on the pancreas, kidney, and liver. In silico study was performed to check the binding affinity of the phytoconstituents with α-amylase. GC-MS identified bioactive fatty acids, including 9-octadecenoic acid, linoleic acid, and hexadecanoic acid derivatives. Treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and improved insulin levels, lipid profiles, and normalized liver and renal function markers. Histopathological findings showed restoration of pancreatic, hepatic, and renal architecture. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinity of 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (-6.00 kcal/mol) toward α-amylase. Cucumber peel shows promising antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and multiorgan protective effects.