Phytochemical Screening and Systemic Modulation of Glucose Metabolic activity by <i>Stephania glabra</i> Tuber L. and <i>Clerodendrum phlomidis</i> L. Leaves

Background: The tuber of Stephania glabra L. and the leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis L. have been reported to exhibit antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and glucose-regulating effects. Aim: The study evaluated the phytochemical profile and insulin secretion, lipid regulation, and glucose-linked metabolic enzymes over 28 days of ethanolic test extracts. Methods: Ethanolic extracts were prepared by maceration, and screened phytochemically. A 28th day chronic antidiabetic study was conducted in streptozotocin-induced male Wistar rats, with test groups receiving ethanolic extracts (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and a standard group receiving glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected intravenously to determine fasting and postprandial insulin levels using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) while serum lipid profiles and glucose-metabolising enzymes were analysed using a semiautomatic analyser at 320 nm. Results: Both test extracts significantly enhanced insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose (200 and 400 mg/kg) yielding fast-acting and postprandial insulin levels of 10.1 and 34.8 µU/ml for S. glabra tuber and 10.3 and 35.6 µU/ml for C. phlomidis leaves extracts. By the 28th day, the test extracts improved lipid parameters, showing total cholesterol 90.85 mg/ dl, triglycerides 41.11 mg/dl, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) 47.70 mg/dl, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) 34.85 mg/dl, and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) 8.20 mg/dl, and 92.45, 43.93, 46.89, 36.77, and 8.78 mg/dl, respectively. Both extracts also modulated glucose-metabolising enzymes, indicating improved glycemic control. Conclusion: The ethanolic test extracts have bioactive compounds, respectively, which may be responsible for enhanced insulin secretions, modulate glucose metabolic enzymes and improved lipid profiles after 28 days, supporting for diabetes management. Major Findings: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds, which significantly increased insulin levels, improved lipid regulation, and modulated glucose-metabolizing enzyme activity.