Development of a Poly Herbal Capsule Utilizing Ethanolic Extracts of Withania Coagulans, Picrorhiza Kurroa, and Gymnema Sylvestre

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a high-morbidity endocrine disorder, is often managed with expensive synthetic hypoglycemic agents that possess significant adverse effects. Natural products such as Withania coagulans, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Gymnema sylvestre provide a cost-efficient, readily available, and environmentally sustainable option. The present research aims to investigate the antidiabetic efficacy of a herbal formulation (PHF) derived from Withania coagulans, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Gymnema sylvestre in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. To this end, five distinct groups of Wistar rats were formed, including one control group. Within the four diabetes cohorts, one group functioned as the diabetic control, while the other two groups received PHF at dosages of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, and the fifth group was treated with metformin for a duration of 28 days. On the last day of the experiment, all rats were euthanized, and samples were obtained for various analyses. The research results indicated that the administration of PHF to diabetic rats led to significant (p < 0.001) enhancements in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glycated hemoglobin, and other biochemical indicators. The histological analysis demonstrated the preventive effect of PHF against diabetes-induced damage in the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. It also facilitates the regeneration of β-cells in the pancreas. These data indicate that PHF is a safer and more effective choice for diabetes management.