Dose-dependent antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects of Piper betle leaf powder suspension in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Introduction: Piper betle (PB) is rich in bioactive compounds and traditionally used for its antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective properties. This study examined the dose-dependent hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective responses to a suspension of PB leaf powder in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Methods: Thirty Swiss albino mice were allocated into six groups: a healthy control (T0), a diabetic control (T1), three treatment groups receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) of PB leaf powder suspension (T2-T4), and a gliclazide-treated positive control (T5). A single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg) induced diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipid profiles, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and hepatic biomarkers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were measured periodically. Results: Compared with the untreated diabetic control group (T1), PB-treated mice exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in FBG levels (P < 0.05). Treatment also significantly improved lipid profiles (P < 0.05), lowering LDL and increasing HDL concentrations. In addition, hepatic dysfunction was attenuated (P < 0.05), indicated by the restoration of ALT and AST activities. The 200 mg/kg dose showed the highest efficacy, comparable to gliclazide (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Oral administration of PB leaf suspension exhibits significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects in STZ-induced diabetic mice, supporting its potential as an alternative therapeutic agent for diabetes management.