Morin Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Metabolic Dysregulation in Ovariectomized Diabetic Mouse Model.

Background/

Objectives

Estrogen deficiency is associated with metabolic disturbances and impaired glucose homeostasis. Morin, a natural flavonol, has shown promising hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, but its effects under hypoestrogenic diabetic conditions remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of morin on body weight, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and selected serum biochemical markers in an experimental model of diabetes under estrogen-deficient conditions (ovariectomized diabetic female mice).

Methods

Female CD1 mice underwent sham surgery or ovariectomy (OVX), and each surgical condition was further divided into non-diabetic and diabetic subgroups treated with vehicle, glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), or morin (30 mg/kg). Body weight and fasting blood glucose were monitored over a 15-day treatment period. Oral glucose tolerance was assessed on day 15, and serum biochemical markers, including glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, ALT, and AST, were measured thereafter.

Results

Ovariectomy aggravated diabetes-associated hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and triglyceride elevation. Morin treatment reduced fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in diabetic mice, including ovariectomized animals. Morin also attenuated the increase in serum triglycerides and blood urea nitrogen in ovariectomized diabetic mice, although it did not significantly improve cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, ALT, or AST levels. Compared with glibenclamide, morin showed relevant glucose-lowering activity but had a more limited effect on the overall biochemical profile.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that morin may partially improve glycemic control and selected metabolic alterations in experimental diabetes associated with estrogen deficiency. Further studies are required to clarify its mechanisms of action, long-term efficacy, and translational relevance.