Effect of Glutathione Enriched Polyherbal Formulation on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Model by Regulating Oxidative Stress and PKC Pathway

Background: Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress is one of the root causes of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Glucose oxidation and activation of various metabolic pathways lead to a disproportionate generation of free radicals. This will significantly reduce the antioxidant status in the body. Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel glutathione enriched polyherbal formulation on a streptozotocin induced diabetic model. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After 3 days of injection, Glibenclamide (5mg/kg), and glutathione enriched polyherbal formulation were given orally for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose and body weight changes were measured at specific intervals. For the study, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation products, nitrite, liver enzyme markers, gene expression of GLUT-2, and PKC levels were evaluated. Histopathological analysis was also done. Results: The result shows that glutathione enriched polyherbal formulation treated rats significantly reduced their blood glucose and maintained their body weight. As a result, the GLUT-2 expression was reduced, which prevented the activation of PKC. Moreover, oxidative stress was reduced by improving antioxidants like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation process. In addition, hepatic damage was also prevented by protecting the liver cells, and thereby shielding the excessive leakage of SGOT, SGPT, and ALP enzymes. The histopathological analysis of the liver gives more support to other data. Conclusion: Findings show that glutathione-enriched polyherbal formulations have a powerful anti-diabetic effect by inhibiting oxidative stress and thus blocking PKC activation.