Ameliorative Effects of a Polyherbal Formulation on Hepatic Function and Pancreatic Histomorphology in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of a polyherbal formulation comprising Garcinia kola, Buchholzia coriacea, and Picralima nitida on hepatic function and pancreatic histomorphology in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: normal control, diabetic control, four groups treated with the polyherbal extract (100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg), and a positive control treated with metformin (50 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed 48 hours post-STZ injection (60 mg/kg). Treatment lasted 15 days, with blood glucose monitored at three-day intervals. Liver function (total bilirubin), organ weights, and histopathological changes in hepatic and pancreatic tissues were assessed at the end of the experiment. The polyherbal formulation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels, particularly at 250 mg/kg, where near-normal levels (125.6 ± 11.1 mg/dL) were achieved by day 15. Total bilirubin levels were markedly reduced at 150 mg/kg (0.06 ± 0.06 mg/dL) and 250 mg/kg (0.20 ± 0.11 mg/dL). GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including phytol (20.81%), neophytadiene (20.21%), and palmitic acid (12.15%). Histological findings showed preserved hepatic architecture and pancreatic islet hyperplasia. The polyherbal formulation demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective effects.