Hypoglycemic Potential Of Acalypha Indica In StreptozotocinInduced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2dm) is a chronic endocrine-metabolic pathology marked by sustained hyperglycemia, impaired insulin signaling at peripheral target tissues, and progressive deterioration of pancreatic β-cell secretory function and mass. The increasing burden of diabetes and the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy have prompted investigations into plant-based therapeutic agents. Acalypha indica, a medicinally rich herb belonging to the family euphorbiaceae, has been traditionally employed in ayurvedic and ethnomedicinal practice for the therapeutic intervention of various ailments, including metabolic complications. However, its molecular and biochemical mechanisms of antidiabetic action remain insufficiently elucidated. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and broader metabolic effects of acalypha indica ethanolic extract at three dose levels (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) in streptozotocin (stz)-induced type 2 diabetic wistar rats. Assessments encompassed fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance index (homa-ir), oral glucose and insulin tolerance, hepatic and renal function biomarkers, and serum lipid profiles, with metformin (50 mg/kg) serving as the pharmacological reference. Results: Treatment with acalypha indica produced significant, dose-dependent reductions in fasting blood glucose and concomitant restoration of serum insulin levels in all treated groups. Homa-ir values were markedly decreased, confirming improved insulin sensitivity. Oftt and itt analyses demonstrated enhanced glucose clearance and augmented insulin responsiveness in treated animals. Hepatic enzyme markers (ast, alt, alp) and total bilirubin, as well as renal parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, ldlcholesterol), were all significantly ameliorated, while hdl-cholesterol was restored toward physiological levels. The highest tested concentration consistently produced efficacy comparable to metformin treated group.Conclusion: Acalypha indica demonstrates significant antidiabetic, insulin-sensitizing, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and hypolipidemic activities in stz-induced type 2 diabetic rats. These findings provide compelling scientific support for its traditional use in metabolic disease management and underscore the need for further mechanistic, phytochemical, and clinical investigations to advance its therapeutic development.