Nano Suspension of Soursop Leaf Extract as A Candidate for Future Diabetes Drugs

Diabetes mellitus remains a global health challenge despite advances in pharmaceuticals. Current antidiabetic drugs, though effective, have limitations such as side effects, high costs, and variable patient responses. This has fueled research into alternative therapies, especially from medicinal plants. Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) show promising antidiabetic effects in vitro and in vivo but suffer from poor bioavailability typical of plant compounds. Nanotechnology offers a promising way to improve drug delivery and efficacy. This study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of soursop leaf extract formulated as nanoparticles (Nano Suspension of Soursop Leaf Extract as a Candidate for Future Diabetes Drugs NEDS) versus conventional extract (EDS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (n=35, 7 groups). Diabetes was induced via streptozotocin and nicotinamide injections. Treatment groups received NEDS or EDS at 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg doses; controls included glibenclamide and untreated groups. Blood glucose was measured at baseline, day 7, and day 14, analyzed by ANOVA (p<0.05). Results showed that the nanoparticle formulation enhanced glucose-lowering effects significantly. NEDS at 300 mg/kg matched the efficacy of glibenclamide by day 14. The findings indicate that chitosan-based nanoencapsulation boosts the antidiabetic activity of Annona muricata leaf extract, suggesting a promising avenue for new diabetes treatments. Further mechanistic, pharmacokinetic, and safety studies are needed to confirm clinical potential.