Antidiabetic and Renoprotective Potential of Sand Sea Cucumber (Holothuria Scabra) Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Male Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13192Keywords:
Holothuria scabra, Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic nephropathy, Pancreatic islets, Kidney histology, StreptozotocinAbstract
Introduction: Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus promotes progressive renal injury leading to diabetic nephropathy. This study evaluated the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Holothuria scabra in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Twenty-five male rats were divided into five groups (n = 5). Diabetes was induced in the rats with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg), and then treated orally for 28 days with H. scabra ethanolic extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) or metformin. Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine and urea levels, and histopathological changes in pancreatic and renal tissues were evaluated. Results: Diabetic rats developed sustained hyperglycemia, weight loss, and marked renal structural damage. Treatment with H. scabra ethanolic extract at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), serum creatinine (p < 0.05), and renal histological injury scores (p < 0.001) compared with untreated diabetic controls. Pancreatic islet morphology showed partial improvement; however, islet number and area were not significantly restored. Phytochemical screening identified flavonoids, saponins, and steroidal compounds. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of H. scabra exerts integrated antidiabetic and renoprotective effects at 200 mg/kg dose. These benefits likely result from functional metabolic regulation rather than structural regeneration of pancreatic islets. The findings highlight H. scabra as a promising marine-derived candidate for adjunctive diabetes management. Further mechanistic and dose-optimization investigations are warranted.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ethanolic extract of Holothuria scabra showed significant antidiabetic and renoprotective potential in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats, as shown by reductions in fasting blood glucose and creatinine serum levels.
- Histopathological analysis revealed better preservation of pancreatic islets, improved pancreatic tissue architecture, and reduced renal damage scores following treatment with ethanolic extract of Holothuria scabra.
- Ethanolic extract of Holothuria scabra at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed greater improvement in fasting blood glucose and creatinine serum reduction, as well as histopathological improvement in the kidneys and pancreas.
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