Butea Monosperma Roots: Pharmacological Activities In Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications, often requiring long-term pharmacological interventions. The limitations and side effects of conventional therapies have driven interest in medicinal plants such as Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze, traditionally used in Ayurveda for managing diabetes and related ailments.

Methods: Roots of B. monosperma were collected, authenticated, dried, powdered, and subjected to aqueous extraction. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + B. monosperma extract (250 mg/kg), diabetic + B. monosperma extract (500 mg/kg), and diabetic + metformin (500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by STZ injection, and treatments were continued for 56 days. Parameters assessed included body weight, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), food and water intake, blood glucose, lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, HDL), renal markers (serum creatinine, blood urea, albumin), hepatic function, polyuria, and thermal hyperalgesia. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: The diabetic control group exhibited significant hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, renal impairment, hepatic dysfunction, polyuria, and heightened pain sensitivity. Treatment with B. monosperma root extract produced dose-dependent improvements in body weight, glucose regulation, lipid profile, renal and hepatic biomarkers, and nociceptive responses. The higher dose (500 mg/kg) demonstrated effects comparable to metformin, particularly in restoring glycemic balance, normalizing lipid levels, and improving kidney and liver functions.

Discussion: The study highlights the multifaceted therapeutic action of B. monosperma in diabetes management, extending beyond glycemic control to metabolic regulation, organ protection, and neuropathy prevention. Its ability to improve lipid metabolism, renal function, and hepatic health suggests a holistic mechanism that addresses both primary hyperglycemia and secondary complications of diabetes. The results align with traditional claims of its medicinal value and indicate the potential involvement of phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties. These findings underscore the relevance of exploring B. monosperma as a natural adjunct or alternative to synthetic antidiabetic drugs.

Conclusion: Aqueous root extract of Butea monosperma exhibits significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antinociceptive properties in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The findings support its traditional use and highlight its potential as a complementary or alternative therapeutic agent in diabetes management.