Panchvalkal (polyherbal formulation) mitigates STZ induced type 2 DM by modulating the expression of hexokinase (HX), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triphosphate isomerase (TPI)

The present study was designed to evaluate the potentiality of Panchvalkal (Ayurvedic formulation) for the treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Panchvalkal is polyherbal formulation of bark Ficus benghalensis L., Ficus racemosa L., Ficus religiosa L., Thespesia populnea L. and Ficus lacor Buch-Ham. The formulation was traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and to treat ulcers, wounds, leucorrhoea and other vaginal diseases. The current study was hypothesized to investigate Panchvalkal aqueous extract protective property against streptozotocin induced Diabetes Mellitus Swiss albino rats and its effects on HX, LDH and TPI genes involved in glycolysis pathway. Aqueous extract of the bark of five medicinal plants were prepared. The aqueous extract of Panchvalkal was analyzed for antioxidant property (TF, TP, DPPH and RP). Diabetes was induced in Swiss albino rats through streptozotocin (60 mgKg⁻¹ bw i.p.) administration. The extract (500 mgKg⁻¹ bw) and glibenclamide (300 mgKg⁻¹ bw) alone and in combination was administrated orally to specific group of animals up to 28 days. Animals were scarified, blood was collected, and liver excised. cDNA was prepared from RNA isolated from the liver. Expression of HX, LDH and TPI were studied through real-time PCR analysis. Panchvalkal aqueous extract was enriched with phenol content (82.84 mg GAE G⁻¹) and flavonoid content (283.52 mg RE G⁻¹) and showed effective antioxidant property. No sign of toxicity and mortality in rats were recorded during toxicity assessment. Rats administrated with Panchvalkal 500 mgKg⁻¹ bw showed significant reduction in blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and increase in HDL level. Also the plasma glucose level was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in comparison to diabetic control. Significant increase in enzymes level such as SGOT and SGPT was observed. Panchvalkal modulated the expression level of Hexokinase (HX), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Triphosphate isomerase (TPI) genes in STZ induced T2DM. The present study showed that Panchvalkal acts effectively in modulating the mRNA expression of HX, LDH and TPI genes involved in the glycolysis pathway and other metabolic reactions. It significantly increased the glucose uptake and improved the glucose metabolism in T2DM.