Hepatoprotective Effects and Testicular Toxicity of Centella asiatica L. Aqueous Extract in Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION: Centella asiatica has been widely studied as an herbal substitute for treating diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to investigate the effects of C. asiatica on the liver and testes in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with diabetes using a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). Three days after induction of diabetes, the rats were treated with either 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight/day of C. asiatica aqueous extract (CAAE) for 48 days. Serum, liver, and testes were collected for analysis. Parameters measured included fasting blood glucose (FBG), body and organ weights, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic index, testicular steroidogenesis activity (HSD17B3, testosterone levels, sperm count), and liver biochemical markers. Additionally, antioxidant and lipid peroxidation levels, together with sperm count were assessed in the liver and testes respectively. RESULTS: CAAE treatment improved FBG levels and mitigated weight loss in the STZ-NA group. Oxidative stress markers were ameliorated in both organs after CAAE treatment. Liver serum biochemical markers showed improvement, while testicular steroidogenic function declined. Sperm count decreased compared to the STZ-NA group. CONCLUSION: CAAE ameliorates hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in the liver and testes but may cause testicular dysfunction in DM. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that C. asiatica is able to reverse STZ-NA-induced oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia but exacerbates testicular dysfunction. evaluate our study outcome.