Blood Glucose-Lowering Activity of Compound Herbo-Mineral Unani Formulation Qurs-e-Ziabetus in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

A polyherbal Unani formulation, Qurs-e-Ziabetus (QZ), is mentioned in Unani literature for managing diabetes-like conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of QZ, which is mentioned in classical Unani literature, in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening of QZ and HPTLC fingerprint profile was developed. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in normal euglycemic SD rats. Further, antihyperglycemic potential was tested in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of QZ (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) was provided for 28 days. After 28 days, all the rats had fasted overnight, and blood samples were collected and subjected to biochemical estimation and hematology parameters. The pancreas, liver, and kidneys were collected, and histopathological analysis was performed. Various phytoconstituents are detected in QZ. In OGTT, QZ treatment did not significantly decrease blood glucose levels in rats challenged with glucose (2 gm/kg). On day 28 in the nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetes model, the QZ showed a significant dose-dependent fasting blood glucose lowering effect compared to diabetic control. QZ and glibenclamide treatment did not affect the body weights or biochemical and hematology parameters of nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Histological analyses of the pancreas, liver, and kidney were observed, with some changes in the diabetic group compared to normal control. At the same time, QZ treatment revealed improved histopathological changes induced by Streptozotocin and further diabetic conditions. The study data demonstrates the antihyperglycemic potential of QZ up on administration for 28 days in nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.