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An Endophytic Schizophyllum commune Fr. Exhibits In-vitro and In-vivo Antidiabetic Activity in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Summary

This research discovered that a fungus living inside plants (called Schizophyllum commune) could help treat diabetes. The scientists found that extracts from this fungus effectively lowered blood sugar levels and improved various health markers in diabetic rats. This is significant because it offers a potential natural alternative for diabetes treatment. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a possible new natural treatment option for diabetes patients • Could lead to development of medications with fewer side effects than current diabetes drugs • Demonstrates the value of studying fungi that live in plants for medical purposes • May help reduce healthcare costs if developed into affordable treatments • Shows promise for managing multiple diabetes-related health complications simultaneously

Background

Endophytes are microorganisms that live within plant tissues without causing symptoms of infection. While endophytic fungi, particularly from the phylum Ascomycota, have been studied for bioactive compounds, endophytic basidiomycetes remain largely unexplored despite their potential to produce beneficial molecules. Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a major health problem, with projections suggesting 693 million people will be affected by 2045. Current diabetes medications have limitations and side effects, creating a need for novel antidiabetic agents from natural sources.

Objective

The study aimed to isolate endophytic basidiomycetous fungi from various plants and evaluate their antidiabetic potential through both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The research focused on screening isolates for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and conducting detailed investigations of the most promising candidate in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Results

Treatment with S. commune extract significantly decreased blood glucose levels and increased body weight in diabetic rats. The extract restored renal parameters including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, fractional excretion of sodium, and potassium levels. Improvements were observed in lipid profile and antioxidant parameters including reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, and superoxide anion generation. Liver enzyme homeostasis was markedly improved. Effects were more pronounced at higher concentration (100 mg/kg) and comparable to the control drug acarbose. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics and terpenoids in the extract.

Conclusion

This study represents the first report demonstrating the therapeutic potential of endophytic S. commune in diabetes management. The fungal extract showed significant antidiabetic activity both in-vitro and in-vivo, improving multiple parameters associated with diabetes. The results suggest S. commune can be exploited as a source of compounds for diabetes management and highlights the importance of endophytic basidiomycetes as sources of bioactive metabolites.
  • Published in:AMB Express,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13568-021-01219-3
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