Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and chronic condition defined by increased blood glucose concentrations. The present research aimed to examine and compare the antidiabetic activity of hesperidin and piperine, alone and in combination, in rats with diabetes.
Materials and Methods: In this research, streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was employed to cause type 2 diabetes in male rats. Following the induction of diabetes, the positive control group was treated with metformin (500 mg/kg), the normal control group was administered with normal saline, and the remaining groups received oral both compounds hesperidin and piperine (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg), alone and in combination, for 4 weeks. Body weight alterations and several biochemical markers were evaluated.
Results: The administration of metformin and two doses of hesperidin and piperine (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the body weight and reduced blood sugar, triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared to the diabetic control animals. Moreover, treatment with metformin and different doses of hesperidin and piperine decreased the serum levels of liver and kidney markers (hepatic enzymes) and diminished the adverse impacts on their activities.
Conclusion: The findings of the current research indicate the potential of hesperidin and piperine for the management of diabetes and its associated health issues.