# Evaluation of serum pro/anti-angiogenic biomarkers in hyperglycemic rats treated with Securigera securidaca seeds, alone and in combination with Glibenclamide

## TL;DR

This study examines how a herbal extract from Securigera securidaca seeds affects blood markers of angiogenesis in diabetic rats, both alone and when combined with a diabetes drug.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the impact of a plant extract on pro/anti-angiogenic biomarkers in diabetic rats, comparing it to a standard drug and combination therapy.

## Key findings

- Diabetes increased pro-angiogenic markers VEGF, FGF21, and TGF-β while decreasing anti-angiogenic factors FLK-1 and sFLT-1.
- The herbal extract had minimal effect on these biomarkers, even at high doses.
- Glibenclamide reduced biomarker levels more effectively than the herbal extract, with combination therapy showing partial enhancement.

## Abstract

Herbal medicines are commonly used by many people with diabetes in addition to standard treatment. Plants contain numerous known and unknown compounds that may exacerbate or ameliorate diabetes complications. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the side effects of these herbs before prescribing them. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Securigera securidaca (HESS) seeds alone and in combination with glibenclamide on the angiogenic/anti-angiogenic balance in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Groups involved in this animal study included diabetic and healthy controls, three doses of HESS, glibenclamide, and combination therapy. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fetal liver kinase 1 (FLK-1), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1), and transforming growth factor -beta (TGF-β).

Induction of diabetes increased VEGF, FGF21, and TGF-β serum levels and decreased circulating FLK-1 and sFLT-1 factors. Herbal extract, except TGF-β, had little effect on the above blood levels even at the highest doses. Glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS in improving the vascular complications of diabetes. Combination therapy with the highest dose of HESS partly enhanced the glibenclamide effects.

Compared with glibenclamide as a standard chemical drug, HESS had no significant effects on the blood levels of the pro/anti-angiogenesis factor in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide attenuated the levels of the biomarkers and its effects were somewhat enhanced in combination with the highest dose of HESS.