Effect of Andrographis paniculata extract on serum glucose and creatinine levels in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant with potential antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects. However, evidence regarding its effects on glycemic control and renal outcomes in experimental diabetes remains inconsistent.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of A. paniculata extract on blood glucose and renal outcomes in experimental models of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/NCBI, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Eligible studies evaluated A. paniculata extract or andrographolide in rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus and reported glycemic or renal outcomes. Because of substantial heterogeneity in animal models, interventions, outcome measures, and reporting, the findings were synthesized narratively.

Results: Eight studies were included. A. paniculata or andrographolide consistently improved glucose-related outcomes through enhanced insulin sensitivity, AMPK pathway activation, anti-inflammatory effects, pancreatic beta-cell protection, and GLUT4 upregulation. Doses of 100 to 400 mg/kg body weight per day administered for at least 14 days were associated with improved glycemic outcomes in standard diabetic rat models. Renal findings suggested stable or improved renal biomarkers and histopathologic outcomes, although serum creatinine was not consistently reported.

Conclusion: A. paniculata demonstrates promising hypoglycemic and potential nephroprotective effects in preclinical models. However, the evidence remains preliminary because of methodological heterogeneity, variable risk-of-bias reporting, and limited direct renal outcome data. Further standardized and longer-term studies are required before clinical translation.