Comparative Efficacy of Scorpion Venom (Hottentota tamulus and Androctonus finitimus) and Plant Extracts (Cassia fistula and Ficus palmate) Against Diabetes In Male Albino Mice (Preprint)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.

he present study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of scorpions venom of Hottentota tamulus and Androctonus finitimus and leaves extract of Cassia fistula and Ficus palmate in the alloxan-induced diabetic mice by studying biological parameters.

For extraction of venom, scorpions of Hottentota tamulus and Androctonus finitimus species were maintained in the lab. In this study, 40 male albino mice (18-25 g) were divided into ten main groups each of 4 mice. Group 1 was injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline solution, Group 2 was given alloxan but no treatment was given. Group 3 received crude venom (150 mg/kg) (i.p., daily for 5 weeks) after induction of alloxan. Group 4 received crude venom (300 mg/kg). Group 5 received venom fraction I (1.3mg/kg), Group 6 was given venom fraction II (1.4mg/kg), Group 7 was given venom fraction III (1.5mg/kg), Group 8 was given plant extract of Cassia fistula, Group 9 was given plant extract of Ficus palmate and Group 10 received recommended dose of metformin. This grouping of mice was repeated for Hottentota tamulus and Androctonus finitimus scorpions and leaves extract for Cassia fistula and Ficus palmate. Blood samples were collected from all groups to check effect of crude venom, venom fractions and plant extracts on fasting blood glucose level, insulin level, lipid profile level and body weight in control group and treated groups.

Administration of venom, venom fractions and plant extract revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the concentrations of blood glucose level, body weight was gradually significantly increased (P < 0.0001) in venom treated groups and metformin treated groups as compared to positive control group. Venom treatments also showed a significant elevation in triacylglyceride (P < 0.0001), total cholesterol, LDL-C and a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in HDL-C and plasma insulin levels as compared to the negative control group.

The findings of this study displayed that body weight of mice decreased when alloxan was injected and after applying venom of scorpions, plant extract and dose of metformin there was significant increase in body weight of mice. The results showed a substantial increase in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol , LDL-C, and a significant decrease in HDL-C levels in treated groups as compared to control groups. The results showed that the treated groups had a substantial rise in fasting blood glucose levels when compared to control group. Effects of scorpions venom on diabetes bettet than the plant extract.

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