Pharmacological and Phytochemical Study of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. which belongs to the Lamiaceae is commonly used in Morocco for the treatment of diabetes. Objective: The present work aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and the plasma lipid profile of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Mentha suaveolens. Method: The effect of a single and repeated (15 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Mentha suaveolens (AEAPMS) on glucose and lipid profile was evaluated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, preliminary phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as histopathological examination of pancreas and liver according to the Hematoxylin-Eosin method were carried out. Results: The results showed that the extract exhibited a significant hypoglycemic and lowering serum lipids (Total cholesterol and triglycerides) effects in both normal and diabetic rats. In addition, an important influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after AEAPMS treatment. Moreover, AEAPMS has been demonstrated to act positively on histopathological tissues of liver and pancreas. In another hand, a potential in vitro antioxidant of AEAPMS has been shown while no significant effect was observed on serum lipoproteins (HDL and LDL). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that AEAPMS possesses a beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. Keywords: Antidiabetic, lipid profile, Mentha suaveolens Ehrh, histopathology, antioxidant activity, triglycerides.