Abstract
Introduction: Loranthus pulverulentus is a parasitic plant traditionally used in some cultures as a homeostasis regulator. Literature reports suggest that bioactive compounds produced by a parasitic plant could potentially be influenced by the host plant's own chemical composition, playing a role in the adaptogenic properties of the parasitic plant.
Objective: The present study conducted an experimental trial on alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits to determine the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of L. pulverulentus taken from two hosts, Olea ferruginea and Acacia modesta, in Mirpur, Pakistan.
Methods: The EPA model was utilized in the experimental trials, which included an ethnobotanical survey (E), phytochemical profiling (P), and activity assessment (A). The ethnomedicinal use of the plant was analysed using the open-ended and close-ended questionnaires designed for interviews with local inhabitants. The fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated. Methanolic extracts from the bark and leaf were obtained using standard protocols to construct phytochemical profiles of the plants. Furthermore, to explore the efficacy of methanolic extracts of L. pulverulentus in treating diabetes, experimental trials were performed on alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Methanolic leaf and bark extracts taken from L. pulverulentus (O. ferruginea) and L. pulverulentus (A. modesta) were administered orally to the experimental animals, which were divided into various groups based on treatment specificity.
Results: The highest ICF value of 0.86 was obtained based on the cultural significance of the plant in managing diabetes. The highest FL value of 83.75% was obtained for the culture of L. pulverulentus from the host A. modesta. The phytochemical profile revealed that the plants are rich in phytochemicals such as glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, carbohydrates and proteins. It was noted that 1000 mg/kg b. w. extract from L. pulverulentus (A. modesta) causes lowering blood glucose levels. Similarly, the weight of the diabetic rabbits decreased significantly following the same treatment. Furthermore, a boost in the serum insulin concentration was also observed with the same set of treatments.
Conclusion: It was concluded that methanolic extracts from the leaves of L. pulverulentus (A. modesta) are more effective compared to L. pulverulentus (O. ferruginea) at curing diabetes.