Hesperetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate hyperglycemia by regulating key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in a diabetic rat model.

The study aimed to investigate the potential of hesperetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (HSPCNPs) in alleviating hyperglycemia by modulating key enzymes in diabetic rats. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with hesperetin were prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterized with Electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential, particle size analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Encapsulation efficiency and Loading efficiency. To induce diabetes, rats were fed a high-fat beef tallow diet for 28 days, then given a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) at 35 mg/kg b.w in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0). Rats were treated with HSPCNPs at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w. The analyzed parameters included body weight, food and water intake, plasma glucose and insulin, liver and skeletal muscle glycogen levels, and carbohydrate metabolism. SEM imaging revealed dimensions between 124.2 and 251.6 nm and a mean particle size of 145.0 nm. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the chitosan nanoparticles, and the zeta potential was 35.5 mV. HSPCNP 40 mg/kg b.w significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin, improving body weight, food intake, and reducing water intake. In diabetic rats, enzymes for carbohydrate metabolism like fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose 6-phosphatase are evaluated in the liver, while glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and hexokinase activity were significantly lower. Additionally, plasma insulin levels increased, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. The results show that HSPCNPs at 40 mg/kg b.w. ameliorate hyperglycemia to provide robust protection against diabetic complications and significantly improve metabolic health.

Standardization of the Optimum Effects of Indole 3-Butyric Acid (IBA) to Control Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, in Guava (Psidium guajava L.).

Guava is an important revenue generating crop for small, medium, and commercial guava cultivators all over the world. Nematode infestation is one of the factors that cause declines in fruit production. Researches have proven that the application of plant growth regulators induces the synthesis of defense-related proteins in Guava. IBA is one such plant growth regulator, and its effects on guava plants has not yet been elucidated. Thus, this research is focused on the optimization of IBA concentrations, which results in the induction and production of maximum defense-related proteins to defend against root knot nematode. The present study includes the application of IBA on M. enterolobii-infested experimental guava plants at different concentrations ranging from 100 ppm to 2000 ppm. The synthesis of defense-related proteins is identified with 1000 ppm of IBA. At this concentration, IBA influences the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and enhances the induction of defense-related proteins in M. enterolobii-infested experimental guava plants. Thus, 1000 ppm of IBA prevents nematode infestation in Lucknow-49 guava plants.