Evaluating the antidiabetic properties of microencapsulated phenolic compounds from Peganum harmala in alloxan-induced diabetic Balb/c mice

• Microencapsulated phenolic-rich fractions of Peganum harmala (PRF-PH) show potential as a nutraceutical candidate for managing diabetes. • The synthesized microcapsules significantly reduced body weight and triglyceride levels, improving HDL, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in diabetic Balb/c mice. • Additionally, PRF-PH enhanced the gene expression of catalase (CAT), suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the pancreas, and increased mRNA expression of glucose transporter types 2 (GLUT2) and 4 (GLUT4). Diabetes mellitus is a complex hormonal disorder marked by high blood sugar, resulting from inadequate insulin secretion, pancreatic β cell damage, or insulin resistance. With over 400 million affected globally, it has reached epidemic proportions. This study explores the microencapsulation of phenolic-rich fractions of Peganum harmala (PRF-PH) and their impact on diabetic mice induced with alloxan, highlighting potential improvement in treatment efficacy. Analysis showed that synthesized microcapsules have a spherical shape with an average diameter of 375 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.37. Administering PRF-PH at 100 mg/kg significantly improved weight gain and feed intake in diabetic mice (p < 0.05). PRF-PH treatment also normalized blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and liver enzyme activities (p < 0.05). There was an increase in catalase (CAT) expression and a decrease in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, along with increased glucose transporters GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that PRF-PH may alleviate symptoms of alloxan-induced diabetes and could serve as a potential dietary supplement for diabetes management.