Assessment of the Ameliorative and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Fractions of Ipomoea aquatica in Male Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

This study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative and antihyperglycemic effects of two fractions of Ipomoea aquatica on liver functions in streptozotocin ( STZ )-induced diabetic male rats. Eighteen adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: control, STZ + 200 mg/kg IA6-1 (dichloromethane-ethyl acetate fraction), and STZ + 200 mg/kg IA9-2 (ethyl acetate-methanol fraction). In vitro , antiproliferative activity against liver cancer cell lines (HepG 2 ) was examined. Additionally, the plasma protein profile of STZ -induced diabetic rats was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis ( SDS - PAGE ). Results showed a significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) and aspartate aminotransaminase ( AST ) in both treated groups compared to the control, whereas there was no significant difference between groups in the serum levels of alanine aminotransaminase ( ALT ), total protein, and albumin. The in vivo total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) showed a significant increase in both treated groups compared to the control, indicating that I. aquatica may enhance the antioxidant defense system of the liver, which could help protect the liver from oxidative stress-induced damage. The profile of C-reactive protein (C-RP) (28.3 kDa) and apelin (16 kDa) in STZ rats showed a higher intensity compared to the control group and both treated groups. These proteins may play a role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, which are important mechanisms in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Moreover, the IA6-1 fraction had a more potent antiproliferative effect on liver cancer HepG 2 cell lines compared to the IA9-2 fraction. This suggests that the plant may have a protective effect against liver damage caused by cancer cells. Overall, these findings highlight the potential therapeutic applications of I. aquatica for the treatment of liver diseases, particularly those associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the plant's beneficial effects on liver function and to determine optimal dosages and treatment durations for humans. Additionally, clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of I. aquatica as a therapeutic agent for liver diseases in humans.