Influence of garlic and ginger compared to aspirin on diabetic indicators in STZ‐induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The hypoglycemic effects of aqueous extracts of raw ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium savitum) in comparison to aspirin were studied in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by IP injection of streptozotocin and a fasting blood sugar >300 mg/dl indicated diabetes. Diabetic rats were divided into 4 groups: control, garlic‐treated, ginger‐treated and aspirin‐treated. Garlic and ginger extracts and aspirin were administered daily for 8 weeks. Blood glucose and serum creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly elevated in diabetic control rats, and significantly lowered by both ginger and garlic treatments. Aspirin treatment of diabetic rats significantly decreased serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels but not blood glucose levels. Serum protein decreased significantly in diabetic compared to normal rats, with ginger and garlic treatment resulting in nearly normal serum protein levels. Urine creatinine and protein were elevated in diabetic rats, and significantly decreased by garlic and ginger but not aspirin. Diabetic rats lost weight, and increased water and food intake as well as urine output compared to normal. Ginger‐treated rats had a modest weight gain and decreased food and water intake and urine output, while garlic‐treated rats had a slight weight gain and decreased urine output. Aspirin treatment resulted in no change in urine protein and creatinine, body weight, water and food intake and urine output. Thus, garlic and ginger treatments were useful in ameliorating the negative progress of diabetes in STZ‐induced diabetic rats, while aspirin had limited effects.The study was supported by KFAS grant # 2007‐1302‐04.