Pharmacodynamic Interaction of Areca catechu with Gliclazide in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose: In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, this study sought to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential of the hydroalcoholic seed extract of Areca catechu, also referred to as areca nut, both as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with the diabetic drug gliclazide. Methods: The hot percolation method was used to produce the hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu. Rats were given alloxan monohydrate and developed type II diabetes. The hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu (1000 mg/kg p.o.) alone or in different combinations of gliclazide (25 mg/kg p.o.) and A. catechu extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) were administered to the six diabetic rats. Body weights and blood glucose levels were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the treatment. On the 28th day, the kidney, liver, and pancreas underwent histological investigations in addition to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Results: Blood glucose levels were significantly lowered upon administration of A. catechu's hydroalcoholic seed extract, both alone and in conjunction with gliclazide. Comparing the diabetic control group to the A. catechu extract-treated group, histopathological examinations showed that high amounts of the extract, either by itself or in conjunction with gliclazide, caused the active proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, protecting against damage to the liver and kidneys. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic seed extract of A. catechu showed promise as a monotherapy for controlling blood glucose levels, and as a co-administer for gliclazide, it showed signs of hypoglycemia. These results indicate A. catechu's possible therapeutic benefit as an adjuvant diabetic treatment. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, more study is necessary.