PHARMACODYNAMIC EVALUATION OF THE SYNERGISTIC ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF OCIMUM SANCTUM IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus remains one of the most challenging metabolic disorders globally, requiring long-term therapeutic strategies to maintain glycemic control and prevent complications. Although conventional oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) such as metformin, glibenclamide, and pioglitazone remain the mainstay of treatment, limitations such as drug resistance, gastrointestinal side effects, and oxidative stress necessitate the search for safer and more effective complementary approaches. Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda, possesses documented antidiabetic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present study aims to evaluate the pharmacodynamic synergism between Ocimum sanctum extract and standard OHAs in improving glycemic regulation. bA synergistic herbal–allopathic formulation was developed and administered to diabetic animal models induced using streptozotocin. Pharmacodynamic parameters including fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, serum insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT) were evaluated across various treatment groups. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue was conducted to assess β-cell protection and regeneration. The results demonstrated that the combination of Ocimum sanctum with conventional antidiabetic drugs produced significantly greater glycemic control compared to monotherapy. Marked reductions in fasting glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, restoration of lipid levels, and enhanced antioxidant status were observed. Histological analysis revealed improved pancreatic islet architecture and reduced cellular degeneration. The synergistic formulation exhibited superior efficacy while potentially lowering required doses of standard OHAs. This study concludes that Ocimum sanctum enhances the pharmacodynamic actions of conventional hypoglycemic agents and holds substantial promise for developing safer, more effective, and holistic antidiabetic therapies.