Comparative Study of P. ostreatus and Empagliflozin on Liver in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potential of Pleurotus ostreatus ethanolic extract in comparison to the standard drug empagliflozin in high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD-STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The focus was on assessing changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), liver function markers, lipid profile, and hepatic histopathology. Study Design:  A Controlled experimental animal study. Place and Duration of Study:  College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Lagos, between December 2024 and April 2025. Methodology: Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), low- and high-dose Pleurotus ostreatus (POL: 200 mg/kg; POM: 400 mg/kg), and low- and high-dose empagliflozin (EGL: 20 mg/kg; EGM: 40 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet followed by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Body weight and FBG were monitored weekly. At the end of the study, blood samples were analyzed for liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin) and lipid profile. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was also performed. Results: Over four weeks, all treated groups (POL, POM, EGL, EGM) demonstrated progressive weight gain, whereas the diabetic control group experienced significant weight loss and high mortality. FBG levels significantly decreased in all treatment groups except EGM, which showed an initial drop followed by rebound hyperglycemia, suggesting a possible dose-dependent variation. Liver enzymes ALT and AST were significantly reduced (p=0.001) in all treated groups. ALP levels were elevated (p=0.001), possibly indicating increased biliary activity. Bilirubin increased significantly (p=0.05) only in the POL group. Albumin levels increased significantly in POM (p=0.01) and EGM (p=0.05), suggesting improved hepatic synthetic function. Lipid profiles remained unchanged across groups (p ≥ 0.05), indicating maintained lipid homeostasis. Histological analysis revealed preserved liver architecture in treated groups, especially in POL, which exhibited minimal hepatocellular damage. Conclusion: Pleurotus ostreatus extract demonstrated significant antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects, comparable to empagliflozin in HFD-STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings support its potential as a natural, cost-effective alternative for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in settings with limited access to synthetic drugs.