Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Using Thymus serpyllum on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders, and is characterized by abnormal blood sugar level due to impaired insulin secretion or impaired insulin action—or both. Metformin is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, but due to its slow mode of action and various side effects it shows poor and slow therapeutic response in patients. Currently, scientists are trying to tackle these limitations by developing nanomedicine. This research reports novel synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum and aims to elucidate its therapeutic potential as an antidiabetic agent on streptozotocin induced diabetic BALB/c mice. Thymus serpyllum mediated silver nanoparticles were characterized through UV, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The alpha amylase inhibition and antioxidant activity were checked through α amylase and DPPH radical scavenging assay, respectively. To check the effect of silver nanoparticles on blood glucose levels FBG, IPGTT, ITT tests were employed on STZ induced BALB/c mice. To assess the morphological changes in the anatomy of liver, pancreas, and kidney of BALB/c mice due to silver nanoparticles, histological analysis was done through H&E staining system. Finally, AMPK and IRS1 genes expression analysis was carried out via real time PCR. Silver nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with an average size of 42 nm. They showed an IC50 of 8 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL for α amylase and DPPH assay, respectively. Our study suggests that silver nanoparticles—specifically 10 mg/kg—cause a significant increase in the expression of AMPK and IRS1, which ultimately increase the glucose uptake in cells. Thymus serpyllum mediated silver nanoparticles possess strong antioxidant and antidiabetic potential and can further be explored as an effective and cheaper alternative option for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Fabrication and characterization of Hypecoum pendulum‐assisted novel bio‐inspired silver nanoparticles and their antioxidant, anti‐diabetic, and anti‐Alzheimer properties

“…The currently available synthetic drugs for the management of diabetes include repaglinide, thiazolidine‐dione, sulfonylureas, and metformin, but unfortunately, these drugs impose many side effects such as anorexia, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and reduced vitamin B12 intestinal absorption. [ 27 ] Therefore, researchers are trying to reduce these limitations by developing nanoparticle‐based medicine. The consumption of nanoparticles as a medication for the treatment of diabetes is an attractive proposition.…”

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Oscimum sanctum Leaf Extract and Studies on Its Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

“…Moreover, there are several reports on silver NPs synthesized using medicinal plants as potential antidiabetic agents in rat models or in vitro experiments. – Furthermore, Ag NPs are very effective in wound healing in diabetic patients due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties . Further, silver NPs synthesized with various plant leaf extracts have shown potential antidiabetic effects in mice. – …”

Bio‐fabrication and characterization of nano‐silver using Kickxia elatine plant and its anti‐diabetic effect on alloxan‐induced Sprague Dawley rats — An in vivo approach

“…27 For the treatment of DM, synthetic medications such as repaglinide, thiazolidinedione, sulfonylureas, and metformin are commercially available; however, these medications come with a number of undesirable side effects, including flatulence, anorexia, abdominal disturbance, diarrhea, and low absorption of vitamin B12 in intestine. 28 Recently, attempts have been made to cure diabetes with herbal extract and plant-mediated silver and gold NPs, 29.30 Additionally, scientists are using both in vitro and in vivo studies to produce a variety of anti-diabetic medicines for managing diabetes, 31,32.33 Kickxia elatine (KE) is an annual plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae, which has 47 species and is also known as the cancerwort or fluellin family as shown in Figure 1. 34 KE plant is utilized in traditional herbal drug as a sedative, general tonic, also in cases of bleeding, healing of wounds, and lacrimation.…”

“…Despite the many different pharmacological medications that have been suggested to regulate hyperglycemia, DM prevalence is still increasing and society's health is at risk 27 . For the treatment of DM, synthetic medications such as repaglinide, thiazolidine‐dione, sulfonylureas, and metformin are commercially available; however, these medications come with a number of undesirable side effects, including flatulence, anorexia, abdominal disturbance, diarrhea, and low absorption of vitamin B12 in intestine 28 …”