Determination of Antihypergycemic Effect of Flaxseed (L. usititatissimum) Fractions on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent high blood glucose level.  Flaxseed is one of the functional foods used in the management of diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different fractions of Flaxseed on albino diabetic rats, and diabetes was induced using streptozotocin. The fractions were obtained using solvents with increasing polarity, namely n-Hexane, Ethylacetate, Methanol, and Water. The presence of various phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, balsam, carbohydrates, phenols, and resins, were identified. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the methanolic fraction contained the highest concentration of bioactive components, followed by the aqueous fraction.  Significant reductions in blood glucose levels were observed across the groups treated with the Flaxseed fractions. The methanolic fraction exhibited the highest antihyperglycemic property (5.90±0.536), followed by the aqueous fraction (8.73±0.536). The hexane fraction ranked next to the aqueous fraction (20.50±1.617), while the ethylacetate fraction had the least antihyperglycemic effect (23.60±0.731). However, the protein and albumin biomarkers showed significant increase across all treatment groups. The Flaxseed fractions also demonstrated antihyperlipidemic properties, with the methanolic fraction being the most potent. Additionally, the treatment groups exhibited improved kidney function biomarkers, serum enzyme levels, and electrolyte levels. Based on the results of this investigation, Flaxseed proves to be a potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic food. Moreover, the methanolic fraction demonstrated the greatest ameliorative effect, followed by the aqueous fraction.