In-vivo hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the whole plant methanolic extract of Neptunia prostrata Linn.

This study investigates the in vivo hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of the whole plant Neptunia prostrata (NPME) using the Wistar albino rat model. Acute toxicity evaluation confirmed the safety of the extract, with no behavioral or physiological abnormalities observed. In the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model, treatment with NPME significantly lowered serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to silymarin. The antidiabetic activity of NPME was evaluated in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats, where NPME significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance over a 21-day period. Restoration of serum α-amylase, SGPT, SGOT, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels further supported its metabolic efficacy. Histopathological studies of liver, kidney, and heart tissue in treated rats revealed improved cellular architecture and reduced pathological alterations. Anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by significantly inhibiting carrageenan-induced paw edema, indicating possible modulation of cyclooxygenase-mediated pathways. Treatment with NPME downregulated IL-6 and upregulated IL-10. Overall, the findings highlight the broad-spectrum pharmacological activity of N. prostrata in the rat model, supporting its potential use as a plant-based therapeutic for managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation.