Antidiabetic Potential of Tragia involucrata Linn in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Swiss Albino Mice Corroborates its Usage by Diabetic Patients in Nyamira County, Kenya

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated complications, including neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. Despite the availability of synthetic antidiabetic agents, their widespread use is hindered by adverse effects, high costs and limited accessibility, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antidiabetic efficacy and safety profile of dichloromethane (DCM) leafy extracts of Tragia involucrata Linn in alloxan-induced diabetic Swiss albino mice. The antidiabetic activity of T. involucrata extracts was assessed by immediate (hourly) and long-term (weekly) blood glucose monitoring following intraperitoneal injection of the extracts at graded doses of120, 170, 220, and 270 mg/kg bw. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including phytol, squalene, beta-sitosterol and long-chain hydrocarbons, known for their anti-hyperglycemic properties. The extracts exhibited a significant (P = 1.21 x 10 ^− 146 ) and dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect, with the highest dose (270 mg/kg bw), demonstrating the most rapid and sustained glucose reduction. Hourly blood glucose measurements confirmed an acute glycemic response, while weekly monitoring for 28 days proved long term efficacy of the extracts in glycemic control. The results from the acute and subacute toxicity studies of the DCM extracts indicated no mortality nor toxicity signs that were observable in the treated mice. Results from biochemical markers assessment, specifically for Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, urea, creatinine and bilirubin did not reveal any significant perturbations, demonstrating that the liver and kidney were functioning normally. Safety evaluation was also conducted through measurement of organ weights of key organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, lungs, and brain. The absence of significant changes in these organ weights supports the favorable safety profile of the extract. The findings validate the traditional usage of the medicinal plant by diabetic patients in Nyamira County, Kenya. Future comprehensive studies of the T. involucrata should focus on antidiabetic properties of pure bioactive compounds and lead molecules identification for drug discovery and development.