| dc.description.abstract | Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from inadequate insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance. It is currently crucial to explore new therapeutic approaches for DM and alternative natural agents that specifically target molecular signaling pathways associated with the disease, such as reducing free radicals and inhibiting apoptosis. Empirically, the Batak onion (Allium chinense G. Don) has been traditionally believed to possess benefits as a treatment for DM. This belief is supported by the presence of bioactive compounds in Batak onion, such as phenols and flavonoids, which have potential antidiabetic properties. In this study, the activity of ethanol extract of Batak onion (EEBB) as an alternative treatment for DM is evaluated in vivo. The dry powder of Batak onion bulbs was extracted using the maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent. The secondary metabolites in EEBB were qualitatively detected using thin-layer chromatography, while total phenolic and flavonoid content was quantitatively determined through calorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was evaluated based on its ability to scavenge DPPH radicals. Furthermore, the antidiabetic effects of the extract were assessed in male rats, divided into six groups. Group 1, the negative control, was given 0.5% Na-CMC suspension; group 2 was given EEBB at 200 mg/kg BW; group 3 received EEBB at 400 mg/kg BW; group 4 received EEBB at 600 mg/kg BW; group 5 received 0.45 mg/kg BW glibenclamide, and group 6 was the normal group (without treatment). The antidiabetic activity of the extract was evaluated through its effects on SOD levels, HbA1c, daily blood glucose levels, pancreatic histopathology, insulin levels, iNOS levels, and caspase-3 expression. The results indicate that EEBB contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds, identified using three different mobile phases. Quantitatively, the phenolic content in EEBB was 18.0566 ± 0.046 mg GAE/g sample, while the flavonoid content was 5.7257 ± 0.039 mg QE/g sample. EEBB exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH radicals, with the highest inhibition observed at a concentration of 200 µg/mL, reaching 79.43 ± 0.961%. Moreover, EEBB demonstrated antidiabetic efficacy by lowering daily blood glucose levels over 28 days of observation. The antidiabetic effect of EEBB was further supported by its ability to increase SOD levels and decrease HbA1c levels. Histopathological analysis revealed that EEBB, particularly at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW, reduced pancreatic damage in rats induced with NA and STZ. This finding is further supported by the effects of EEBB on IRS levels of insulin, iNOS, and caspase-3 expression. Therefore, this study demonstrates that EEBB at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW exhibits superior antidiabetic efficacy compared to doses of 200 mg/kg BW and 400 mg/kg BW in NA and STZ-induced diabetic rats. | |
