Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Potential of Extract Fraction of Quercus baloot Griff Seeds in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hussain Sheheryar , Gul Jan Farzana , Jan Gul , Irfan Muhammad , Musa Muhammad , Rahman Shahid , Ali Niaz , Hamayun Muhammad , Alrefai Abdulwahed Fahad , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Azmat Rafia , Ali Sajid 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The discovery and development of new phytomedicines can be greatly aided by
plants because of their tremendous therapeutic benefits, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, lack of side effects, and
cheaper therapies. In this regard, Quercus baloot, generally known as oak, is used in folkloric medicine for
treating and preventing various human disorders, including diabetes.

Aim:

For this purpose, the present study aimed to evaluate crude methanolic extract and various fractions of
Quercus baloot for antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic potential followed by the analysis of active compounds.

Methods:

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity was evaluated in Swiss male Albino mice by administering
an oral dose of 150-300 mg/kg of Q. baloot extracts in alloxan induced diabetic mice for 14 days.

Results:

The results revealed that crude methanolic extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction
in the blood glucose level (198.50 ± 1.99 mg/dl) at day 14 and the same treatment significantly increased
the body weight (31.26 ± 0.27 g) at day 14 in comparison to the control group. Moreover, the biochemical
parameters were investigated which presented an increase in high-density lipids (HDL) (30.33 ± 0.33
mg/dl), whereas low-density lipids (LDL) showed a significant decrease (105.66 ± 0.26 mg/dl). Additionally,
triglyceride levels 104.83 ± 0.70 mg/dl, and total cholesterol 185.50 ± 0.76 mg/dl are significantly decreased.
In serum biochemical analysis creatinine and hepatic enzyme markers, like serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase
(32.00 ± 0.36 U/mg), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (34.33 ± 0.61 U/mg), and alkaline phosphatase
(157.00 ± 0.73 U/mg), were significantly reduced by the crude methanolic extract at a dose of 300
mg/kg as compared to the control group. The antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide dismutase (4.57 ± 0.011),
peroxidases dismutase (6.53 ± 0.014, and catalase (8.38 ± 0.014) at a dosage of 300 mg/kg of methanolic extract
exhibited a significant increase. The histopathological study of the diabetic heart, liver, and pancreas
showed substantial restoration of damaged tissues in the methanolic extract 150 and 300 mg/kg treated group,
which supports the effectiveness of Q. baloot seeds. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of
methanolic extract identified 10 antidiabetic active compounds in the Q. baloot seeds, validating the antihyperglycemic
activity. Thus, methanolic crude extract at the doses 150 and 300 mg/kg of Q. baloot showed significant
antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities, which validate the folkloric utilization of Q. baloot
as a remedy in diabetes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the 300 mg/kg methanolic extract of Q. baloot has notable hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic
potential, supporting the plant's traditional medicinal usage in the treatment of diabetes and its
complications. Further studies are needed for the purification, characterization, and structural clarification of
bioactive compounds.