Artemisia haussknechtii Nanoparticle Extract Normalizes Glycemia and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats

Molecular and structural abnormalities driven by oxidative stress are central to diabetes pathophysiology, contributing to its progression and complications. Current standard-of-care often struggles with comprehensive management, prompting research into natural therapeutic agents. This study explores Artemisia haussknechtii, a plant traditionally used for various ailments, for its potential to target oxidative stress and improve glycemic regulation in a diabetes model.

Researchers induced diabetes in 48 female rats using 45 mg/kg STZ (i.p.). Rats were then orally administered either ethanolic lyophilized extract (DYEE) or nanoparticle extract (DYNE) of Artemisia haussknechtii leaves at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg daily for 21 days. Weekly fasting glucose and body weight were monitored. At study end, serum biochemistry, erythrocyte and tissue oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, CAT, GPx, SOD, GR, TAS, TOS), and histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and pancreas were analyzed.

Diabetic rats exhibited persistent hyperglycemia, body weight loss, dyslipidemia, and elevated liver/kidney injury biomarkers. They also showed increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), alongside suppressed antioxidant defense systems. Treatment with Artemisia haussknechtii extracts significantly ameliorated these alterations in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose nanoparticle formulation (DYNE2) produced the most pronounced improvements, demonstrating superior efficacy. > DYNE2 treatment led to reduced blood glucose levels, improved lipid profiles, and normalized insulin, HbA1c, and c-peptide levels. This was accompanied by decreased MDA and TOS, and restoration of antioxidant parameters (GSH, CAT, GPx, SOD, GR, TAS) towards control values. Histopathological findings corroborated the biochemical data, showing substantial attenuation of diabetes-induced tissue damage, particularly in the DYNE2 group.