Therapeutic Potential of Asparagus Racemosus Root in Managing Hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Platelet Aggregation in Neonatal Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Lipid abnormalities frequently accompany hyperglycemia and thus a primary goal in diabetes therapy is the management of dyslipidemia.   Asparagus racemosus root has previously been shown to reduce postprandial blood glucose in diabetic rats by delaying carbohydrate absorption and enhancing insulin secretion. In the present study, the chronic effects of A racemosus root on serum glucose, fructosamine, lipids, and platelet aggregation were assessed in rats with type 2 diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin injection.  The type 2 diabetes model was created by injecting 48-hour-old pups with a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry. Daily oral administration of ethanol extract of A racemosus to diabetic rats (n = 10) lowered serum glucose by 21% (p<0.01) and fructosamine by 11% (p<0.05) after 28 days.  Total cholesterol (p<0.05), triglyceride (p<0.05), and NEFA (p<0.01) levels were also lowered by 9%, 16% and 38% respectively.  No difference in HDL cholesterol or body weights was observed compared to control rats but platelet aggregation was significantly reduced by 18% (p<0.05). Food and water intake, stool formation, water content of stools, and urine formation were unchanged in extract-treated rats in a 24-hour acute observational study in Nalgene Metabolic Cages. In conclusion, this study reveals that ethanol extract of A racemosus root lowers circulating glucose, and atherogenic blood lipids and decreases platelet aggregation. Thus, A racemosus is the source of glucose-lowering bioactive agents and a useful dietary adjunct in the management of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and related complications.