Anti-diabetic Potential Properties of Two Edible Omani Wild Plants (Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata)

Abstract

Background:The use of plant for medicinal purposes has a long history worldwide.  There is a lack of research that identifies the antidiabetic effect of edible Omani wild plants. Oxidative stress mediates the pathogenesis of diabetes and it has been suggested that natural antioxidants might be considered as an effective intervention for combating diabetes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential properties of two edible Omani wild plants (Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata) or their mixture in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-seven male Sprague Dawley rats, weighting 250–300 grams, were allocated into 5 groups: non-diabetic (9 rats/group), diabetic group (7 rats/group), and three diabetic groups that received oral feeding of either Pteropyrum scoparium, Oxalis corniculata, or their mixture (7 rats/group). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection dose of STZ drug, 50 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the experimental trial, after 8 weeks, all rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed; blood glucose was measured, meanwhile pancreatic tissues were dissected and homogenized for the biochemical assessment of oxidative stress markers (glutathione, GSH, and total antioxidant capacity, TAC). Results: STZ resulted in hyperglycemia and oxidative stress (GSH depletion and TAC impairment) in diabetic group as compared to non-diabetic group. Meanwhile the concomitant treatment of diabetic groups with the two wild the edible Omani plants or their mixture have shown a protective effect against the STZ-induced hyperglycemia, but with no effect on oxidative stress. It was noted that for the final boy weight, the improvement was not significant as well. Histopathological examination of the pancreatic tissues showed that the STZ injection lead to pathological changes associated with diabetes in the pancreatic tissues of all diabetic groups. Conclusion:  Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata combated the STZ-induced hyperglycemia with no effect on oxidative stress. Also, there was no synergistic effect of Pteropyrum scoparium and Oxalis corniculata on hyperglycemia or oxidative stress.