Synergistic Antidiabetic Potential of a Polyherbal Combination Compared to Eugenia jambolana in Experimental Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disorder requiring multi-targeted interventions. Eugenia jambolana (Jamun) is a well-established antidiabetic plant, yet its comparative efficacy against rationally designed polyherbal formulations remains underexplored.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the antidiabetic efficacy of a polyherbal formulation (Costus igneus, Linum usitatissimum, Eugenia jambolana, Ocimum sanctum, and Curcuma longa) with Eugenia jambolana alone in experimental diabetes.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and dexamethasone (10 mg/kg, s.c.). Rats received either EJ (200 mg/kg, p.o.), the polyherbal combination (200 mg/kg, p.o.), Glibenclamide (10 mg / kg) or metformin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Glycemic control, lipid profile and histopathology were studied.

Results: EJ significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and improved lipid profile compared to diabetic controls (p<0.001). However, the polyherbal combination exhibited significant effects, with near normalization of glucose and lipid levels, and extensive β-cell, hepatocyte, and renal tubular regeneration. The efficacy was comparable to metformin.

Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation outperformed Eugenia jambolana alone, validating the synergistic principle of polyherbal therapy in Ayurveda. This combination holds promise as a multi-targeted, plant-based intervention for diabetes management.