Anti-Diabetic Effects of <I>Amygdalus Lycioides</I> Spach in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugarand abnormalities in insulin secretion and action. There are many anti-diabetic plants, whichmight supply useful sources for developing new medicines that can be used in treatment ofdiabetes mellitus. The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antidiabeticproperties of the aerial parts of Amygdalus lycioides in streptozocin-induced diabeticrats. Sixty rats were divided into 6 groups: streptozocin-induced diabetic control, insulintreateddiabetic group, and four Amygdalus lycioides-treated diabetic groups (125, 250, 500,and 1000 mg/kg/day). After 2 weeks of plant extract administration, the effects of extracts onblood glucose, body weight, BUN, creatinine, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, totalprotein, Na, K, and plasma enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase andalkaline phosphatase) were analyzed. The pancreas of rats was also stained for stereologicalstudies. Phytochemical evaluation of this extract showed the presence of flavonoids and tanninscompounds. Glucose serum levels and glucose tolerance test showed a decrease in treatmentwith Amygdalus lycioides (1000 mg/kg). Serum total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, creatinineand alkaline phosphatase levels were decreased significantly by the extract but aspartateaminotransferase found to be increased after treatment. The total number and numerical densityof beta cells increased in the Amygdalus lycioides group (1000 mg/kg). It seems that Amygdaluslycioides may act as a potential drug to treat diabetes and its complications. However, moreinvestigations should be done to more clarify these results.