Potential for Prebiotic Stabilized Cornus mas L. Lyophilized Extract in the Prophylaxis of Diabetes Mellitus in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

As a systemic disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the disruption of many glucose metabolic pathways. Therefore, it seems critical to study new therapies to support treatment to develop therapeutic systems that can operate across a broad metabolic spectrum. The current state of knowledge indicates an essential role of the gut microbiota in the development and course of the disease. Cornus mas fruits have demonstrated a rich biological activity profile and potential for application in the treatment of DM. As part of a preliminary analysis, the activity of four cultivars of Cornus mas fruits was analyzed. The cultivar Wydubieckij was selected as having the highest activity in in vitro conditions for further prebiotic system preparation. The study aimed to develop a unique therapeutic system based, first of all, on the mechanism of α-glucosidase inhibition and the antioxidant effect resulting from the activity of the plant extract used, combined with the prebiotic effect of inulin. The obtained system was characterized in vitro in terms of antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition capacity, and was then tested on diabetic rats. The study was coupled with an analysis of changes in the intestinal microflora. The system of prebiotic stabilized Cornus mas L. lyophilized extract with inulin offers valuable support for the prophylaxis and treatment of DM.