Antidiabetic and metabolic regulatory effects of Bergenia stracheyi and Rheum spiciforme mixtures via sirtuin modulation in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, altered adipokine secretion, and impaired sirtuin signaling, all of which contribute to disease progression. Objectives: This study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of botanical mixtures of Bergenia stracheyi (B.s) and Rheum spiciforme (R.s) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Acute (8 h), subacute (14 days), subchronic (21 days), and chronic (28 days) studies were conducted in diabetic rats treated with botanical mixtures A (75 B.s: 25 R.s), B (50 B.s: 50 R.s), C (25 B.s: 75 R.s) and compared with metformin and glibenclamide. Biochemical analyses included blood glucose, lipid profiles, adipokines and expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2). Results: Botanical mixture B significantly reduced blood glucose across all study phases, with a 53.78% (p<0.001) decline at day 28, comparable to metformin and glibenclamide. It also demonstrated a more effective restoration of SIRT1 (p<0.01) and SIRT2 (p<0.05) expression compared to standard drugs. Adiponectin levels increased while leptin decreased, indicating improved metabolic regulation. All botanical mixtures ameliorated dyslipidemia, with mixture B showing the most consistent effects (p<0.0001). Conclusion: It was concluded that botanical mixture B (50 B.s: 50 R.s) exerted potent antidiabetic effects through glycemic control, lipid regulation, adipokine modulation, and sirtuin activation, supporting its therapeutic potential for T2DM.