Exploring the role of Acacia jacquemontii in mitigating pancreatic ?-cell dysfunction via upregulation of Pdx-1 expression

Background: The plant Acacia jacquemontii is recognized for its traditional medical history, containing many phytochemicals and is used effectively for different ailments. Objectives: Acacia jacquemontii (A. Jacq.) ethyl acetate extract in the improvement of pancreatic ?-cell functioning via upregulation of Pdx-1 was investigated. Methods: To evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant activity of A. Jacq. hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were performed. Hyaluronic acid breaking and Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme inhibitory activities were measured to determine the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibitory activities against GLP-I cleaving enzyme (DPP-IV) and acid maltase (Alpha-glucosidase) enzymes were evaluated. Pancreatic ?-cell functioning was measured by checking levels of HOMA-?, C-peptide, expression of Pdx-1 and insulin genes in the Wistar male rat model. Results: Findings showed A. Jacq. possesses OH (52.6 %) and FRAP radical scavenging activity. Additionally, A. Jacq. ethyl acetate extract showed significant in-vitro anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic effect through inhibition of hyaluronic acid breaking (p < 0.01) and LOX (p < 0.01) enzymes, GLP-I cleaving (DPP-IV) and acid maltase enzymes. Significant improvement in gluconeogenic status and enhancement in pancreatic ?-cell functioning through improvement in HOMA-?, C-peptide and expression of Pdx-1 and insulin genes were observed. Conclusion: A. Jacq. ethyl acetate extract showed significant in-vitro and in-vivo biological activities that indicates its pharmacological importance.