Therapeutic Effects of a Polyherbal Formulation on Metabolic Dysregulation in Type 2 Diabetic Rats by LCMS

Aim and Objectives: This study examined the effects of a polyherbal formulation (composite of Camellia sinensis, Cinnamomum verum, Syzygium aromaticum, Curcuma longa, and Elettaria cardamomum) on lipid and glucose metabolites in an animal model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The aim was to employ a comprehensive metabolomic approach to explore the importance of metabolic changes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to evaluate the potential modulatory effects of these herbs on the metabolic pathways. Materials and Methods: Individual ethanolic extraction of these herbs were combined in a predefined ratio (2:2:1:1:1) to formulate a polyherbal compositionT2DM) was experimentally induced in male Wistar rats using STZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.), administered three days after and seven days following pretreatment with nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, p.o., once daily). After the confirmation of hyperglycemia (>200 mg/ dL), treatment with the polyherbal formulation and standard drug (Glibenclamide, 0.25 mg/kg) was administered orally for 21 days. Blood samples were taken at the end of the treatment, and plasma was separated for testing. LCMS analysis was performed to quantify changes in glucose and lipid metabolites. Results: Significant improvements in glucose and lipid metabolites were observed. In glucose metabolites; G6P, F6P, pyruvate, and lactate showed normalization trends suggesting increased mitochondrial activity and glycolytic flux. There was a significant regulation of the levels of lipid metabolites, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, phosphatidylcholine, and acylcarnitines (C16 and C18). Enhancement in cellular respiration and metabolic balance was further supported by improvements in TCA cycle intermediates, such as malate, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate. Conclusion: These findings show that polyherbal formulations can be a promising supplemental strategy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and offer scientific backing for the traditional usage of herbs.