Pharmacodynamic Interaction between Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster Beans) and Acarbose: An in vitro and in vivo Study

Aim

To investigate pharmacodynamic interaction of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster beans or guar beans) with acarbose on type-2 antidiabetic targets α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Background

The simultaneous use of herbal and ayurvedic medicines along with allopathic medicines is a common practice in India, without knowing their interactions. In particular, diabetic patients often use a combination of herbal, ayurvedic, and allopathic medications to achieve better results. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (also known as cluster beans or guar beans), a popular vegetable in India, is thought to provide potential advantages for diabetes patients. Therefore, it was thought worthwhile to investigate pharmacodynamic interaction of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Cluster beans or guar beans) with a type-2 antidiabetic drug acarbose.

Materials and Methods

In the current study, an aqueous and ethanol extract of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba was prepared and tested for antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo in combination with acarbose. At first, the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba extracts have been tested for their ability to adsorb glucose and inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Then, an oral glucose tolerance test, acute and subacute study for Cyamopsis tetragonoloba extracts and acarbose was conducted on male albino Wister rats.

Results

The present results demonstrate the co-administration of aqueous extract and ethanol extract with acarbose have shown statistically significant reduction in blood glucose level in streptozotocin induced male diabetic rats. The aqueous extract with acarbose was more effective for postprandial hyperglycemia compares to ethanol extract with acarbose and acarbose. The additive pharmacological effect on blood glucose level has been observed after the co administration of extract of C. tetragonoloba with acarbose in streptozotocin induced male diabetic rats.

Conclusion

To summarise, the interaction of herbal and pharmaceutical medicines is a critical to both patients and health care practitioners. It is necessary to continue research on potential risks and benefits associated with the combination of C. tetragonoloba and Acarbose on pharmacokinetic aspects. Such data is crucial for the formulation of future clinical guidelines to improve health-care outcomes in diabetes.