Comparative Study: Biguanide-, Sulfonamide-, and Natural Agent-Based Interventions in an In Vivo Experimental Diabetes Model

<i>Background/Objectives:</i> In the context of diabetes, a multifactorial metabolic disorder with significant clinical implications, the present study investigates the hypoglycemic effects of a synthetic sulfonamide (S) administered individually and in combination with <i>Salvia o...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Iulian Tătaru, Ioannis Gardikiotis, Carmen Lidia Chiţescu, Oana-Maria Dragostin, Maria Dragan, Cerasela Gîrd, Alexandra-Simona Zamfir, Simona Iacob (Ciobotaru), Rodica Vatcu, Catalina Daniela Stan, Carmen Lăcrămioara Zamfir
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Medicina
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/7/1151
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:<i>Background/Objectives:</i> In the context of diabetes, a multifactorial metabolic disorder with significant clinical implications, the present study investigates the hypoglycemic effects of a synthetic sulfonamide (S) administered individually and in combination with <i>Salvia officinalis</i> extract, compared to metformin as a standard therapeutic agent. <i>Methods</i>: An in vivo model of experimentally induced diabetes using alloxan was applied to Wistar female rats, divided into six experimental groups, including a healthy control group and a diabetes-induced, untreated group. Plasma concentrations of metformin and sulfonamide were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma steady-state concentrations of the pharmaceutical agents and their correlation with hypoglycemic effect were evaluated. <i>Results</i>: The combination of the synthetic sulfonamide (S) with <i>Salvia officinalis</i> extract resulted in the greatest reduction in blood glucose level (average value of 50.2%) compared to S (40.6%) or metformin (36.4%). All treatments demonstrated statistically significant differences in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetes-induced untreated group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a larger volume of distribution for the synthetic sulfonamide S (23.92 ± 8.40 L) compared to metformin (16.07 ± 5.60 L), consistent with its physicochemical properties. No significant correlation was found between plasma drug levels and glycemic response (<i>p</i> > 0.05). <i>Conclusions</i>: Our findings support the potential of combining standard therapeutic agents with natural alternatives such as <i>Salvia officinalis</i> to achieve improved glycemic control through complementary mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study to evaluate the combined effects of a sulfonylurea-type compound and <i>Salvia officinalis</i> extract in a diabetic animal model.
ISSN:1010-660X
1648-9144