Zinc-Silibinin complex: Synthesis, spectral charact erization and biochemical evaluation of antidiabetic potential in high fat fed low dose STZ induced type 2 diabetic rats

Zinc, an essential trace element succeeding iron in the human system, has pivotal role in the synthesi s, storage and functional aspects of insulin. Ever since the insul in mimetic activity of zinc was established, severa l zinc complexes have been synthesized and studied for their antidia betic properties. However, its clinical application is slowed down due to poor absorption, toxicity associated with pr olonged use. Hence, attempts are being made for the development of zinc complexes with various ligands of known the rapeutic values to reduce the toxicity of zinc. In the present study, an attempt has been made to synthesize a zin c-silibinin complex and it was subjected to spectra l characterization. Acute toxicity and dosage fixatio n studies revealed that the complex is non-toxic an d oral administration of the complex at a concentration of 5mg/kg b.w./rat/day for 30 days to HFD- low dose S diabetic rats showed significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, uric acid and creatinine with concomitant improvement in plasma insulin leve l. The reduced activities of pathophysiological enz ymes in the diabetic rats treated with the complex revealed the non-toxic nature of the complex. The antidiabetic activity of the complex was comparable with metformin, a standard adrug.