Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder caused due to varied genetic and lifestyle factors. The search for a potential natural compound to enhance the treatment of diabetes is the need of the hour. Butein, a flavonoid, found sufficiently in Faba bean, is said to possess an anti-diabetic property. In-silico analysis, Butein is predicted as a potential anti-diabetic compound, due to its regulatory action on PPAR-Gamma. Based on this evidence, the Butein's anti-diabetic action is studied in diabetic induced rat models. The drug property of Butein is studied through in-silico analysis to determine the metabolic properties. In animal models, the biochemical analysis, histopathological and gene expression against PPAR-Gamma were studied comparatively. Butein being a hydrophobic compound, the bioavailability is said to be minimum. Hence, Butein formulation was made using biopolymer Chitosan for the synergistic anti-diabetic action. The Butein Chitosan formulation was optimized and characterized using analytical techniques. Further, the anti-diabetic activity of Butein and Butein Chitosan formulation was studied in diabetic induced rats. The obtained in-silico analysis results showed that Butein is the most favorable drug. Apparently, in the rat model, Butein and Butein Chitosan formulation effectively controlled the blood glucose levels without any side effects. The histopathological observations of the tissue samples showed nontoxic activity. Additionally, the gene expression analysis predicted the possible mechanism of anti-diabetic action exhibited through the down regulation of PPAR-Gamma. Whereas, the Butein Chitosan formulation failed, to show synergetic anti-diabetic activity as expected. This study is vital in introducing Butein as a safe anti-diabetic compound, which can be used in the treatment of T2DM.
Keywords: Butein; Compound; Diabetes mellitus; Faba bean; Legume; Medicinal plant.