Experimental Animal Models in Diabetes Research: Emerging Tools for Herbal Antidiabetic Drug Discovery
Vandana Narvariya, Jai Singh Vaghela
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Experimental animal models are essential for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes and for evaluating new antidiabetic drugs and medicinal plants. Various models, including chemical, dietary, genetic, and surgical models, are widely used in diabetes research. Among these, Streptozotocin and Alloxan induced diabetic models are the most commonly employed due to their simplicity and reproducibility. These models help in screening plant-derived compounds for antihyperglycemic and organ-protective activities. This review highlights the major experimental diabetic models, their principles, advantages, limitations, and their significance in medicinal plant-based antidiabetic drug discovery.
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