Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Antidiabetic Potential of Combined Metformin and Blueberry Extract in STZ-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Albino Rats

Abstract

A combination of blueberry extract (BBE) and metformin was evaluated according to OECD NO. 423 TG for its oral toxicity and antidiabetic activity in STZ-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in albino rats.
For an acute oral toxicity study, albino rats (n=6) were divided into six experimental groups. A single oral dose of BBE (2000 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg), as well as a combination of metformin and BBE in the doses 60 + 200 mg/kg, 80 + 200 mg/kg and 100 + 200 mg/kg, were given. Signs, symptoms, and mortality in various groups of animals were noted for 14 days. Body weight, organ weight, and histology of the liver, heart, and kidney were performed. The above-mentioned combinations in the rats were found to be either non-significant or non-toxic in this investigation. No mortality was found and observed with a single dose of 2000 mg/kg in experimental rats. The acute oral toxicity study of metformin in doses of 60, 80, 100, and 200 mg/kg was performed for 14 days. Parameters such as body weight, vital organs weight, blood glucose, MDA, GSH, SOD and protein levels were observed. No toxicity and mortality were observed in any combination dose group. STZ (20 mg/kg; i.p) was given to induce T2DM in the rats. Treatment with varied combinations and different doses of BBE and Metformin showed reduction in the blood glucose level and body weight significantly suggesting a better and safer therapeutic approach for the treatment of T2DM.