Pumpkin Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Alterations in Serum Protein Profile and Renal Function Markers in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant disturbances in protein metabolism and renal function, contributing to disease progression and complications. This study evaluated the effect of Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) on serum protein profile and renal biomarkers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into nine groups, including normal control, diabetic control, treatment groups administered pumpkin pulp, peel, or combinations, and a standard drug-treated group (glibenclamide). Diabetes was induced using alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight), and treatment lasted for 30 days. Biochemical analyses revealed that untreated diabetic rats exhibited significant reductions in total protein and albumin levels, alongside elevated urea and creatinine concentrations, indicating impaired protein metabolism and renal dysfunction. However, pumpkin-treated groups showed significant improvements in serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels, as well as marked reductions in urea and creatinine levels compared to the untreated diabetic group (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that pumpkin exerts protective effects against diabetes-induced biochemical alterations, likely due to its rich composition of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These results highlight the potential of pumpkin as a functional dietary intervention for improving protein metabolism and renal function in diabetes. Further studies are warranted to explore its underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications.