Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential of Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Combined Extract Efficacy in Rats

Background and Objective: Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are both tropical medicinal plants used for the treatment and management of numerous ailments including diabetes. This study sought to evaluate the antidiabetic potential and efficacy, antioxidant and safety profile of the plants and combined extracts of the Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides. Materials and Methods: The combined (Detarium microcarpum and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) and separate plant parts were extracted with different solvents. Phytochemical analysis, radical scavenging activity and heavy metal content assessments were conducted. The antidiabetic potential of the extracts was further evaluated in vivo by employing the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in 21 Wistar rats. The safety profile of the extracts was evaluated by assessing the effect of the extracts on the percentage change in body weights, hematological parameters and biochemical parameters as well. One-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test was used at p<0.05. Results: Alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and tannins were present in aqueous extracts. The combined aqueous extract showed better radical scavenging activity. In a glucose tolerance test on rats, the combined extract demonstrated the most effective glucose reduction  (from  6.83-4.60 mmol L‾¹). Combined extract also had better antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects compared to individual extracts. Conclusion: All extracts were safe concerning hematological and biochemical parameters. Combined extracts showed better therapeutic potential compared to the individual extracts.