A Comparative Assessment on the Protective Effect of Boswellia Serrata, Arabic Gum Extracts, and their Combination in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Natural compounds such as Arabic gum and Boswellia serrata have been discovered for their antidiabetic potential, and only a few investigations have been published on the combined impact of Arabic gum with BS. Aim: This study evaluates the anti-diabetic effects of Boswellia serrata and Arabic gum, individually and in combination, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, to identify the most effective treatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats (200–300 g) were divided into five groups (n=6). Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg), except in the negative control, which received citrate buffer and oral distilled water with 0.5 mL Tween 80. Treatments were given orally for 28 days: diabetic untreated, AG (25 mg/kg), BS (400 mg/kg), and combination (AG + BS). Measured parameters included fasting blood glucose, body weight, serum insulin, insulin resistance, and pancreatic histology with H&E and immunohistochemistry. Results: AG showed total antioxidant activity of 26 mg AAE/g, while BS showed 22 mg AAE/g. Significant differences were observed in IR, serum insulin, body weight, and FBG among groups. Histology revealed partial islet recovery with BS alone, whereas the combination group showed the greatest improvement, with preserved islet structure, reduced inflammation, and strong insulin immunoreactivity (>75%), suggesting enhanced therapeutic effect. Conclusion: The combination of Arabic gum and Boswellia serrata showed superior pancreatic protection compared to individual treatments, suggesting potential complementary use in diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and mechanisms. Recommendations: Future studies should investigate the long-term effects, underlying mechanisms, and optimal dosing of Arabic gum and Boswellia serrata, while clinical trials are required to confirm their safety and efficacy in diabetic patients. Recommendations: Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations are needed to determine whether the observed glycation changes persist and to better evaluate long-term safety. Investigating potential synergistic effects between P. harmala and Punica granatum components may also provide further insight into their metabolic impact.