Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia. Severe complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy are associated with DM. Objectives: To explore a safer treatment option with no/less adverse effects, we evaluated the potential of Ficus benghalensis to alleviate certain diabetic conditions. Materials and Methods: Administering streptozotocin to zebrafish intraperitoneally induced diabetes. After induction, Ficus benghalensis hydroethanolic bark extract was administered to zebrafish in different concentrations (5, 10, and 15 ??g/mL). Biochemical blood parameters such as Blood Glucose, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were analyzed. Results: Treating the streptozotocin-induced group with Ficus benghalensis hydroethanolic bark had a hypoglycemic effect and reduced the cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes. The histopathological evaluation also showed improvement in the damaged pancreatic tissues. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Ficus benghalensis hydroethanolic bark extract can be used as a potent therapeutic candidate for treating diabetes.