Evaluation of Antilipidemic and Organ Protective Effects of Polyherbal Formulation (Raxi) in High- Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a multifactorial metabolic disorder often accompanied by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress-related organ damage. While synthetic antidiabetic agents offer glycemic control, their long-term use is associated with adverse effects. Polyherbal formulations present a promising alternative due to their multifaceted therapeutic properties and favorable safety profiles.  Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antilipidemic, hypoglycemic, and organ-protective effects of a polyherbal formulation, RAXI, in a rat model of type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ).  Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into normal, diabetic control, and treatment groups. Diabetes was induced using a high- fat diet followed by STZ injection. RAXI was administered orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) served as the standard drug. Parameters assessed included fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, renal function markers (urea and creatinine), and antioxidant enzymes (MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD, GST). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test.  Results: RAXI produced a dose-dependent reduction in fasting blood glucose, with the 400 mg/kg dose showing a significant decrease (p < 0.001) comparable to Glibenclamide. Lipid profile analysis revealed significant reductions in TG, TC, and LDL-C (p < 0.01–0.001) and increased HDL-C levels (p < 0.05–0.01). Renal markers (urea and creatinine) and oxidative stress indicators (MDA and GSH) were significantly improved (p < 0.01–0.001), alongside elevated catalase activity (p < 0.001). Body weight remained statistically unchanged across all groups (p = 0.8459), indicating metabolic neutrality of RAXI.  Conclusion: RAXI exhibits significant antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and nephroprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidative mechanisms. These findings support its traditional use and encourage further investigation as an integrative therapeutic for type 2 diabetes and associated complications.