Author(s): Anupama IV, Aishwarya Ramesan, Anandakrishnan, Sreejipina Pavithran and Sreejesh Pilakkavil Chirakkara

Abstract: Wild ash gourd (Benincasa hispida), a traditional vegetable from Kerala, India, was evaluated for its antidiabetic and organ-protective efficacy in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The aqueous fruit extract was found to be rich in polyphenols (47.3 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (15.0 mg QE/g). In vitro studies showed that the extract reduced glucose diffusion and inhibited ?-amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner, achieving 74.4% inhibition, similar to acarbose. It also demonstrated antioxidant activity, neutralizing 67.7% of free radicals in the DPPH assay. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, oral administration of 600 mg/kg extract for a period of 35 days lowered fasting blood glucose by 51% and HbA1c by 49%, compared to diabetic controls. Improvements were observed in lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, and renal markers. Histological analysis indicated regeneration of pancreatic ?-cells and preservation of liver and kidney tissue structures. No adverse effects were observed in acute toxicity tests up to 2000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that wild ash gourd may offer antidiabetic benefits through multiple mechanisms, supporting its potential use in managing diabetes and associated organ dysfunction.

DOI: 10.22271/flora.2025.v13.i5a.1035