A Comparative Study on Commercial Barbaloin and Isolated Barbaloin From Aloe Vera for in Vivo Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Cancer Activity

Objectives: The fundamental objective of this research is to provide a thorough assessment of the anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties of both commercial and isolated barbaloin obtained from Aloe vera. The study examines the usefulness of barbaloin, a significant secondary metabolite, in alleviating difficulties related to diabetes and cancer, in light of the growing worldwide interest in plant-based, non-toxic treatments. Methods: The structure elucidation of the isolated molecule was performed using Fourier transform infrared, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and NMR. The experimental strategy incorporates in vivo experiments using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor models. Diabetic rats received varying dosages of isolated and commercial barbaloin, in conjunction with the common anti-diabetic medication glyburide, to evaluate their effects on blood glucose levels, serum biomarkers, and lipid profiles over 28-day duration. Results: The findings indicated substantial decreases in blood glucose, serum enzymes, and lipid levels in the barbaloin-treated groups relative to untreated diabetic controls, indicating strong anti-hyperglycemic efficacy. Biochemical tests indicated enhancements in liver function indicators and oxidative stress parameters, corroborating the therapeutic efficacy of barbaloin in mitigating diabetes consequences. Simultaneous anti-cancer studies included the injection of EAC cells into rats, followed by treatment with different dosages of A. vera extract and barbaloin. The results indicated a significant reduction in tumor burden and improved survival rates, suggesting that barbaloin has substantial cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. The standard barbaloin reduced tumor volume by 85.4% and viable tumor cell count by 92.3%, isolated barbaloin reduced these parameters by 72.1% and 82.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The research emphasizes the prospective therapeutic potential of barbaloin in the management of diabetes and cancer, indicating its viability as a safe, plant-based alternative or complement to traditional therapies.