Abstract

The use of herbal supplements, along with antidiabetic drugs, is common for better management of blood glucose levels in type II diabetes. Resveratrol, an herbal isolate, offers numerous benefits for managing diabetes and its complications. Gliclazide is a widely used medication for type II diabetes treatment. The present study was undertaken to determine the potential for interactions between resveratrol and gliclazide based on the relationship between herbal supplements and diabetes. The influence of resveratrol on the activity of gliclazide was determined by conducting single and multiple dose interaction studies in animal models. Blood samples collected at predetermined time intervals from experimental animals were used for the estimation of glucose and insulin levels. Additionally, serum gliclazide levels in rabbits were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Gliclazide alone showed peak reductions in blood glucose levels at 2^nd and 8^th h after administration in rats and after 3 h in rabbits. In studies involving both single and multiple dose combinations of resveratrol with gliclazide, significant changes were observed in the amount of blood glucose reduction in normal rats, diabetic rats and normal rabbits. Additionally, this combination significantly altered the levels of insulin in the blood. Resveratrol affected the pharmacokinetics of gliclazide in rabbits. Overall, the effects of resveratrol on gliclazide were both related to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. Therefore, when prescribing gliclazide to patients who are using herbal preparations containing resveratrol, it is important to monitor glucose levels closely and adjust the dosage as needed.