AKR1B1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The anti-hyperglycemic effect was demonstrated via aqueous leaf extract on serum metabolic indices, sorbitol production and aldose reductase enzyme activities in the kidneys, ocular lens and sciatic nerve of type-2 diabetic (T2D) rats at a concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day p.o., potentially lowering the fasting blood glucose levels post-intervention by 14.2 and 14.0 mmol/L, respectively, at week four, compared with the untreated group 22.1 mmol/L.