Beneficial Effects of Natural Alkaloids from Berberis glaucocarpa as Antidiabetic Agents: An In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Approach

Abstract

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormal rise in blood sugar (glucose) levels brought on by a complete or partial lack of insulin secretion along with corresponding changes in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. It has been reported that medicinal plants play a pivotal role in the treatment of various ailments such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The current study involved exploring the acute toxicity and in vivo antidiabetic activity of berberine (WA1), palmatine (WA2), and 8-trichloromethyl dihydroberberine (WA3) previously isolated from Berberis glaucocarpa Stapf using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Body weight and blood glucose level were assessed on a day interval for 4 weeks. Biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress markers were also determined. In an acute toxicity profile, the WA1, WA2, and WA3 were determined to be nontoxic up to 500 mg/kg (b.w). After the second and third weeks of treatment (14 and 21 days), the blood glucose levels in the WA1-, WA2-, and WA3-treated groups were significantly lower than those in the diabetic control group (476.81 ± 8.65 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001). On the 21st day, there was a decrease in the blood glucose level and the results obtained were 176.33 ± 4.69, 197.21 ± 4.80, and 161.99 ± 4.75 mg/dL (n = 8, P < 0.001) for WA1, WA2, and WA3 at 12 mg/kg, respectively, as opposed to the diabetic control group (482.87 ± 7.11 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001). Upon comparison with the diabetic group at the end of the study (28 days), a substantial drop in the glucose level of WA3 at 12 mg/kg (110.56 ± 4.11 mg/dL, n = 8, P < 0.001) was observed that was almost near the values of the normal control group. The treated groups (WA1, WA2, and WA3) treated with the samples displayed a significant decline in the levels of HbA1c. Treatment of the samples dramatically lowered the lipid level profile. In groups treated with samples, plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL were significantly lowered [F (5, 42) = 100.6, n = 8, P < 0.001]; these levels were also significantly decreased [F (5, 42) = 129.6 and 91.17, n = 8, P < 0.001]. In contrast to the diabetes group, all treated groups had significantly higher HDL levels [F (5, 42) = 15.46, n = 8, P < 0.001]. As a result, hypolipidemic activity was anticipated in the samples. In addition to that, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was considerably elevated in the groups treated with the sample compared to the diabetic control group (n = 8, P < 0.001).

Figure 1

Ligand–protein interaction diagram for berberine (WA1) in the catalytic pocket of (a) amylase and (b) glucosidase enzymes. Ligand–protein interaction diagram for palmatine (WA2) in the catalytic pocket of (c) amylase and (d) glucosidase enzymes. Ligand–protein interaction diagram for 8-trichloromethyldihydroberberine in the (WA3) catalytic pocket of (e) amylase and (f) glucosidase enzymes.

Figure 2

Blood glucose levels of WA1, WA2, and WA3 on days 14 and 28. Mean ± SEM (n = 8). Following Dunnett’s comparison test, significance was evaluated statistically using one-way ANOVA, with a P value of <0.05 versus the normal control and (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, n = 8) vs the diabetic control. WA1 (berberine), WA2 (palmatine), and WA3 (8-trichloromethyl dihydroberberine).

Figure 3

Effect on the serum profile of WA1, WA2, and WA3. Effect on (A) total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs) and (B) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Mean ± SEM (n = 8). Following Dunnett’s comparison test, significance was evaluated statistically using one-way ANOVA, with a P value of <0.05 versus the normal control and (*P < 0.05, ***P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, n = 8) vs the diabetic control. WA1 (berberine), WA2 (palmatine), and WA3 (8-trichloromethyl dihydroberberine).