Exploring the underlying mechanism of ethyl acetate extract of Annona muricata leaves via the NRF2 and NF-ΚB pathway in type 1 diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to impaired insulin production and regulation. Recent research has shown that medicinal plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for managing complications of the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect of ethyl acetate extract of Annona muricata leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Thirty five (35) male Wistar rats weighing 150-180g were used for this experiment. Group 1 (Normal control), Group 2 (STZ 40 mg/kg only Diabetic control), Group 3 (STZ+ metformin 500mg/kg bw), Group 4 (STZ + ethyl acetate extract 250 mg/kg bw), Group 5 (STZ + ethyl acetate extract (500 mg/kg bw). Fasting blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for glucose estimation and liver tissues excised for both biochemical and molecular studies. The study demonstrated the extract's ability to modulate the NF-κB pathway, leading to the suppression of inflammatory responses in diabetic rats. These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of A. muricata leaves may ameliorate type 1 diabetes by promoting antioxidant defense and reducing inflammatory processes through the NRF2 and NF-κB pathways. This research sheds light on the potential of natural compounds as adjunct therapies for type 1 diabetes and provides a foundation for further investigations into the development of novel treatments targeting oxidative stress and inflammation in autoimmune diabetes.