The Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn in Inducing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 via SGLT-1 and GLPR in DM Rats

Background. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone is an incretin hormone that is secreted in the ileum and plays a role in the pancreas to increase insulin secretion, stimulate proliferation, and prevent pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. Currently, diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment based on GLP-1 work is being developed, for instance, from herbal plants such as Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (H. sabdariffa). Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of H. sabdariffa in GLP-1 secretion in the ileum and its action in pancreatic β-cells. In addition, this study also aims to determine the active ingredients of H. sabdariffa (Hib) that interact with sodium-glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT-1) so that it can increase GLP-1 secretion in the ileum and interact with GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in the pancreas. Method. This experimental study used 24 experimental animals of Sprague–Dawley type (aged 8–10 weeks, weight 200–250 g) that were divided into 6 groups, namely, (i) normal (C), (ii) normal-Hib 200 (C-Hib200), (iii) normal-Hib 500 (C-Hib500), (iv) DM (C-DM), (v) DM-Hib200, and (vi) DM-Hib500. H. sabdariffa extract was given orally once a day for 5 weeks. Testing of GLP-1 levels in the ileum and pancreatic tissue was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The prediction of the interaction mechanism of the active substance H. sabdariffa against GLP-1 was done using molecular docking. Results. There was a decrease in GLP-1 levels in the ileum of DM rats (). However, DM rats administered H. sabdariffa 500 mg/kg BW had GLP-1 levels that were the same as in normal rats (). This is due to active ingredients such as leucosin, which binds to SGLT-1. Administration of 500 mg/kg BW H. sabdariffa in DM rats resulted in GLP-1 levels in the pancreas that were the same as in normal rats (). In addition, the active ingredient of H. sabdariffa, delphinidin, binds to GLPR in the pancreas. Conclusion. The active ingredient of H. sabdariffa can increase GLP-1 secretion in the ileum and can interact with G protein-linked receptors in the pancreas.