Design, synthesis and characterization of zinc–morin, a metal flavonol complex and evaluation of its antidiabetic potential in HFD–STZ induced type 2 diabetes in rats

• Synthesis and characterization of zinc–morin complex.
• Evaluation of antihyperglycemic potential.
• Zinc–morin complex is non toxic.
• Zinc–morin complex normalizes blood glucose level as well as lipid profile.
• Zinc–morin complex improves antioxidant status.

The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization of zinc–morin complex and evaluation of its antidiabetic efficacy in High Fat Diet (HFD)-fedStreptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of zinc–morin complex to diabetic rats (5 mg/kg body weight/day) for a period of 30 days resulted in the decreased levels of blood glucose and HbA1c. Oral administrations of the zinc–morin complex for 30 days significantly improved hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. The elevated levels of lipid peroxides declined and the antioxidant competence was found to be improved in diabetic rats treated with the complex. The status of the lipid and lipoprotein profile in the serum was normalized upon treatment. Levels of TNFα decreased upon treatment with the complex. The altered levels of adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin were normalized upon treatment with the complex. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the zinc–morin complex possesses antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic and antioxidant potentials in HFD-fedSTZ induced diabetic rats.