A novel insulin mimetic vanadium–flavonol complex: Synthesis, characterization and in vivo evaluation in STZ-induced rats

Since 1985, when Heyliger et al., first demonstrated a serendipitous discovery that oral administration of 0.8 mg/ml of sodium orthovanadate in drinking water to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats resulted in normoglycemia, numerous extensive studies have been pursued on the anti-diabetic and insulinomimetic actions of vanadium. The acceptance of vanadium compounds as promising therapeutic antidiabetic agents has been slowed due to the concern for chronic toxicity associated with vanadium accumulation. In order to circumvent the toxic effects of vanadium, we have taken up a combinational approach wherein a novel vanadium–flavonol complex was synthesized, characterized and its toxic as well as insulin mimetic potential was evaluated in STZ-induced experimental diabetes in rats. The results indicate that the complex is non-toxic and possess anti-diabetic activity.

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► Synthesis of a novel vanadium complex with an organic ligand, 3-hydroxyflavone.
► Characterization of vanadium–flavonol complex using spectral studies.
► Biochemical evaluation of antidiabetic properties of the complex in streptozotocin induced experimental diabetes in rats.
►  Analysis of toxicological parameters to determine the toxicity.
► The complex was non-toxic and possesses significant antidiabetic activity.