Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by impaired insulin secretion or resistance, leading to chronic hyperglycemia. It is associated with complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Herbal medicines provide a multi-target therapeutic approach with fewer side effects.
Materials and Methods
Ficus racemosa bark was collected, authenticated, shade-dried, and powdered. Extraction was carried out using Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol as solvent. The extract was formulated into capsules using lactose, talc, and magnesium stearate as excipients.
Results
The extraction yielded approximately 12% extract, indicating efficient recovery of phytoconstituents (see table on page 6). Morphological evaluation confirmed characteristic bark properties such as brown color and fibrous texture (page 5).
Capsule formulation contained 250 mg extract along with excipients and showed uniform physical appearance, smooth surface, and no defects (page 7).
Discussion
The presence of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds contributes to antidiabetic activity through antioxidant effects, enhanced insulin secretion, and improved glucose metabolism. The formulation demonstrates potential as a multi-target therapeutic agent.
Conclusion
The study successfully developed herbal antidiabetic capsules using Ficus racemosa bark extract. The formulation showed acceptable quality parameters and holds promise for further pharmacological and clinical evaluation.
References
- American Diabetes Association (2023).
- Saeedi P. Global diabetes prevalence.
- Modak M. Herbal antidiabetic mechanisms.
- Additional references as per original article.