Traditional Treatment Of Diabetes Research Articles

Medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Ksar Elkebir Region (North-Western Morocco).

the number of people with diabetes continues to increase worldwide. In Morocco, two million adults are estimated to be diabetic in 2018. The Moroccan population is known for the use of medicinal plants and natural recipes for the treatment of chronic diseases including diabetes. The present study aimed to make an inventory of plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by diabetic patients in Ksar Elkebir City (North-west, Morocco). an ethnobotanical study was carried out among 250 diabetic patients by means of a semi-structured questionnaire by direct interviews. a total of 29 species of plants belonging to 23 families were identified. The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, fabaceae, and Lauraceae. While the most frequently cited plant species were Olea europaea l, Trigonella foenum graecum l, Origanum compactum benth l and salvia officinalis l. Leaves were the most used part of plants and the decoction was the most cited mode of preparation used by the population included in the study. people with diabetes in Ksar Elkebir Region use a variety of herbal remedies in several ways to treat diabetes. This result can be an important database for the following studies to confirm the efficiency of these plants in vitro and in vivo.

Ethnobotanical Studies of Medicinal Plants Used in Managing Diabetes mellitus in Rejang Lebong Districts, Bengkulu - Indonesia

Diabetes mellitus is becoming a major cause of concern throughout the world. Many people, especially in rural communities, use medicinal plants to treat the disease and its complications. This study aimed to document the medicinal plant species used to manage diabetes mellitus and traditional knowledge of local communities in Curup Tengah, Rejang Lebong district, Bengkulu, Indonesia. This study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire targeting 32 diabetic patients, and 2 traditional healers. Twenty women (58.8%) and 14 men used medicinal plants to manage the disease. Furthermore, 44 plant species belonging to 34 botanical families were found. The Fabaceae family (9.1%) contributes the highest number of medicinal plant (4 species) followed by Zingiberaceae (3 species) and Asteraceae (2 species). Leaves (38.63%), fruit (18.18%), and seeds (13.36%) were the predominant parts used to prepare the medicine through the extraction method. Documentation of medicinal plants used to treat diabetes as a foundation for subsequent scientific research, with a focus on plants with a high level of informant consensus. Plants with low UV levels, on the other hand, need bioactive screening to confirm their use for the condition. This could be interpreted as a sign of potential plants for the discovery of novel medications. Smallanthus sonchifolius and Anredera cordifolia are reported for the first time as being used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in this study.

Inhibition of α-amylase activity of Chamaecrista nigricans (Vahl) Greene (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae) and Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms (Meliaceae) water extracts

Introduction: Antioxidants and glucosidases inhibitors are interesting in diabetes mellitus prevention and its management. However, conventional drugs have a multitude of unenviable side effects. Thus, research is turning towards herbal remedies, hence this study that was interested in two plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Bobo-Dioulasso. Objective: The aim was to evaluate Chamaecrista (C.) nigricans and Pseudocedrela (P.) kotschyi roots water extracts effect on sorghum α-amylase activity.
 Methodology: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum trichloride, respectively. FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods were used to estimate the extracts antioxidant activity. The α-amylase inhibition tests were carried out using the glucose assay method with dinitrosalicylic acid.
 Results: The C. nigricans and P. kotschyi extracts have shown strong antioxidant activities, 7031.52±15 and 8762.35±51 µmol AAE.g-1E respectively, referring to trolox using ABTS method. These extracts have also shown an inhibitory effect of 98.57% and 97.67% respectively on α-amylase activity.
 Conclusion/perspectives: These plants have in vitro an interesting anti-amylasic potential. Further investigations will be necessary using a pure enzyme and a wider range of concentration of the extracts in order to determine the kinetic parameters and the fractionation by chromatography to determine the most effective fraction(s). Finally, an in vivo evaluation of the anti-diabetic effect of the extracts could be considered.
 Keywords: anti α-amylase, antioxidant, Chamaecrista nigricans, Pseudocedrela kotschyi.

The Assay of Blood Plasma’s Malondialdehyde (MDA) Activity in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rat Given Yellow Velvet Leaf Extract (Limnocharis flava)

It has been well-known that Genjer or yellow velvet leaf (Limnocharis flava) has a potential as an alternative source to natural antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and others are substances which can block the presence of free radicals coming into the body. It has also been examined to be beneficial in treating metabolic syndrome diseases such as diabetes, as it improves insulin’s performance. The objective of this study is to examine the antioxidant effect of yellow velvet leaf’s ethanolic extract (Limnocharis Flava) on blood plasma’s MDA activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Rattus novergicus) in three different doses. The testing animals were randomly divided into five groups, each group consisted of 6 white rats. Group 1 was the negative control and given CMC Na 0.5%, while group 2 was a positive control and given glibenclamide 0.45 mg, group 3 was yellow velvet leaf’s ethanolic extract of 32.5 mg/kg, group 4 was yellow velvet leaf’s ethanolic extract of 65 mg/kg, group 5 was yellow velvet leaf’s ethanolic extract of 130 mg/kg. Previously, all groups were induced with alloxan through intra peritoneal injection. Ethanol extract was provided once on the day of 7th, 14th, and 21st. The observed parameters were blood plasma’s MDA activity in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Rattus novergicus). Blood plasma’s MDA activities were assessed by using Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARs) method. Then, data were collected and analyzed by using One Way ANOVA followed by a Post hoc test. The results showed that the mean values of MDA levels in the testing groups of 1,2,3,4 and 5 were 9.30 ± 0.462, 2.17 ± 0.121, 6.11 ± 0.381, 4.07 ± 0.327, and 2.75 ± 0.121, respectively. One Way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in the blood plasma’s MDA levels among the groups (p = 0,000). It is concluded that the blood plasma’s MDA levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats can be lowered by the yellow velvet leaf’s ethanolic extract (Limnocharis Flava). Therefore, it can be employed as a traditional treatment for diabetes.

Effect of stevia aqueous extract on the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin in diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceStevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a natural sweetener plant known as “Sweet Leaf”, “Sweet Herbs” and “Honey Leaf”, which is estimated to be 300 times more sweetening than sugar cane. Stevia has been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes in many countries for hundreds of years. Several animal studies referred to the antihyperglycemic activity of stevia. However, the combined use of stevia with saxagliptin has not been studied so far, so this study has been done. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of stevia alone and in combination with saxagliptin. Materials and methodsDiabetes was induced in rats by i.p. injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Animals were divided into five groups, each contains eight rats. Group I: included negative controland group II: included diabetic control that received saline. Group III: included diabetic rats that received 400 mg/kg/day stevia aqueous extract. Group IV: included diabetic rats that received saxagliptin 10 mg/kg/day. Group V: included diabetic rats that received stevia 400 mg/kg + saxagliptin 10 mg/kg. Food and water intake were measured daily while body weight was measured weekly. After 3 weeks animals were sacrificed and blood and tissue samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, serum dipeptidylepeptidase-4 (DPP-4), TC, TGs, LDL, HDL, GSH and MDA were measured in treated and control rats by colorimetric and ELISA methods. ResultsBoth stevia and saxagliptin significantly reduced food, water intake, body weight and FBG. Stevia with saxagliptin produced more significant decrease in FBG. While serum insulin increased significantly in stevia, saxagliptin treated groups and their combination. Serum DPP-4 decreased significantly in all treated groups, concerning lipid profile, stevia and saxagliptin notably lowered TC, TGs, and LDL and increased HDL. Both stevia and saxagliptin remarkably decreased MDA and increased GSH compared to diabetic rats. In addition, stevia significantly improved the antidiabetic effects of saxagliptin. ConclusionStevia has an antihyperglycemic effect and could enhance the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin. DPP-4 attenuation, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity as well as improvement of insulin sensitivity may be involved in the antidiabetic action of stevia.

Ethnopharmacological documentation of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Tar faya province (Morocco)

Moroccan people have a rich tradition of phytotherapy. Studies have been carried in different areas in order to describe local pharmacopoeia. However, very little information is available on the traditional medicine of Tarfaya province. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document medicinal plants used for diabetes treatment by the inhabitants of this province. A 150 respondents were interviewed through semi-structured surveys. A total of 68 medical plants belonging to 35 families were identif ied in the region. The most encountered medicinal plant families were Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Apiaceae. Citrullus colocynthis, Ajuga iva, Allium sativum, Foeniculum vulgare, Ammodaucus leucotrichus and Searsia tripartita were reported as major medicinal plants to treat diabetes in Morocco. The present ethnobotanical study will extend the list of plants already mentioned in use for diabetes treatment in Morocco. However, further studies on their conservation strategies, phytochemical characterization and pharmacological validations are required to serve as a source for alternative therapeutic treatments.

Opening of liver mitochondrial permeability transition pore in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its inhibition by methanol fraction of Ficus mucoso (Welw) root bark

ObjectiveSeveral pathologies arise from the inappropriate opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore. In this regard, inhibition of mPT pore represents a cytoprotective approach to preserve mitochondrial function for treatment of diseases characterized by excessive tissue wastage such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study, therefore, was to study the effects of fractions of Ficus mucoso, a medicinal plant used in the traditional treatment of diabetes, on mPT pore in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat liver. MethodsDifferent solvent fractions of the crude methanol extract of F. mucoso were obtained by vacuum liquid chromatography and were tested on the mPT pore. Of all the fractions tested, methanol fraction of F. mucoso (MFFM) was the most potent and was used for in vivo studies. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg STZ, while treatment lasted for 14 d. In vivo, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: A, normo-glycemic control (distilled water); B, STZ (65 mg/kg; diabetic control); C, STZ + MFFM (25 mg/kg); D, STZ + MFFM (50 mg/kg); E, STZ + glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). The mPT, mitochondrial ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation and cytochrome c release were assessed spectrophotometrically while blood glucose levels were monitored using glucometer. ResultsIn vitro, the solvent fractions of F. mucoso, at all concentrations tested, had no effect on the mPT pore, in the absence of calcium, with no significant release of cytochrome c. Interestingly, calcium-dependent pore opening was inhibited by all solvent fractions of F. mucoso, with the MFFM having the highest inhibitory effect of 83% at 3 mg/mL. Induction of opening of the mPT pore, significant (P < 0.001) enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in STZ-induced diabetes were significantly (P < 0.001) reversed by MFFM and were comparable with the effects of glibenclamide, a standard antidiabetic drug. Also, treatment with MFFM at different doses significantly (P < 0.001) reduced high serum blood glucose compared to the diabetic control. ConclusionF. mucoso could be useful in therapeutic management of diabetes mellitus given its ability to prevent excessive tissue wastage via inhibition of pore opening, and reduction in levels of MDA and serum blood glucose.

The Potential Utility of Aqueous Extract of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni in Adjunct with Metformin in Treating Diabetes Mellitus

Extract of leaves from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni have been used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Paraguay and Brazil. Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener that is rich in pharmacologically important glycosides. These glycosides have many potential benefits in the management of the complications of diabetes. The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is currently unsatisfactory. Therefore, we investigated the possible effects of stevia on treatment of T2DM when concurrently given with common antidiabetic agents in a trial to provide a safe and effective therapeutic antidiabetic combination.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for diabetes treatment in Rabat, Morocco

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in Morocco. The value of ethnobotanical information is now increasingly acknowledged. To inventory and to provide ethnobotanical information on some of the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes in Rabat (Morocco), a survey was undertaken from March 1st to April 30th 2018. This survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire targeting diabetic patients from the SOS Diabetes Center. 334 diabetic patients were interviewed. Of this group, 53.6% (34 men and 145 women) use medicinal plants to control their diabetes. 47.2% have type 2 diabetes and 52.5% have type 1diabetes. Thirty plant species belonging to 18 botanical families were recorded for the treatment of diabetes. The most represented families were Lamiaceae with 8 species followed by Fabaceae with 3 species. Based on the highest number of users, the most important species were Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (15.4%), Salvia officinalis L. (13.3%) and Olea europaea L. (10.8%). Leaves (47.5%), seeds (20.2%) and stem (17.6%) were the parts predominantly used to prepare the formulations, which were mainly infusions (50.9%), administrated by the oral route (98.9%). Some plants were used only by type 1 diabetics while others were used by type 2 diabetics. The observed adverse events related to the use of medicinal plants were represented by occasional heartburn in 2.2% of diabetic patients. This study is the first to collect and document information on medicinal plants and how they are used by diabetic patients. Calamintha alpina L. is reported for the first time at the international level as used in traditional treatment of diabetes and seven others were reported as new medicinal plants used to treat diabetes in Morocco. This will extend the list of plants already mentioned as used for diabetes. Further research should be carried out to validate the antidiabetic uses of most of these plant species.

Tecoma stans: variación asociada con la inhibición de la α-glucosidasa para el tratamiento de la diabetes

Tecoma stans es una planta utilizada en México y América Central para el tratamiento tradicional de la diabetes con un éxito variable dependiendo del origen, el entorno y otras fuentes de variación subyacentes. Para determinar la variación morfológica y genética asociada con una mejor inhibición de la α –glucosidasa, se probaron extractos etanólicos de siete poblaciones, tres silvestres y cuatro cultivos. La variación morfológica y genética se encuentran correlacionadas y ambas difieren significativamente entre poblaciones. La población de El Arenal obtuvo el máximo de actividad inhibitoria y presentó un genotipo particular compartido con dos cultivos que tuvieron una actividad similar, aunque no existen rasgos morfológicos asociados con el potencial antidiabético. Nuestros resultados sugieren un componente genético de la actividad terapéutica asociada con una fuente particular, pero una plasticidad morfológica independiente que podría no ser un indicador de la mejor respuesta terapéutica.

Antidiabetic effect of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) is a climbing perennial herb, growing throughout India and it is widely used in the traditional treatment of diabetes. The aim of present study was to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of the mature unripe of Coccinia grandis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats with special reference to carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The optimum dose of Coccinia grandis extract (GCE) was determined by oral glucose tolerance test. The effects of CGE were compared with glibenclamide. Oral administration of Coccinia grandis extract at a concentration of 250 mg/kg body weight once daily to diabetic rats for the period of 30 days resulted in significant reduction in the levels of plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Administration of CGE showed a significant increase in the levels of glycolytic enzymes and glycogen content and decrease in the levels of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver of diabetic treated rats. The anti-hyperglycemic effect of the extract was comparable with glibenclamide, a known hypoglycemic drug. Present findings provide experimental evidence that the fruits of C. grandis have potential antidiabetic activity which might be used as a functional food and safe remedy for the treatment of diabetes and associated complications.

A Different Approach in the Traditional Treatment of Diabetes and of Antidiabetic Plants Discovery in Cameroon

A Different Approach in the Traditional Treatment of Diabetes and of Antidiabetic Plants Discovery in Cameroon

ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA WHITE FLOWER EXTRACTS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Calotropis gigantea white (Asclepiadaceae) has been documented as a traditional treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from the flower in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood samples were obtained and blood glucose levels were analyzed employing a glucometer at different time intervals on 1st, 4th, 8th and 12th day of the treatment with C. gigantea white extracts compare to glibenclamide (10 mg / kg). From the results, it is revealed that the test chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts at a dose level 500 mg / kg, showed a significant reduction in blood sugar level day in a progressive manner comparable to glibenclamide. Biochemical parameters, including hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also assessed. Treatment of diabetic rats with the two extracts of this plant restored the elevated biochemical parameters significantly (p<0.05) to the normal level. It also proves the traditional claim with regard to C. gigantea white for its anti-diabetic activity. Keywords: Calotropis gigantea white flowers, antidiabetic activity, alloxan, lipid profile.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas), Morocco

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Morocco, diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with more than 1.5 million cases in 2014. Medicinal plants are widely used by the Moroccan population to treat the illness. Aim of the studyThe aim of this work is to make an inventory of plant species used in folk medicine for the management of diabetes in Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit provinces. Materials and methodsThe survey was carried out by means of semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 380 interviews were conducted with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. The data were analyzed through use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). ResultsIn total, 48 plant species belonging to 25 families were reported. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae were reported as the most represented families. Six plants are reported for the first time as used in traditional treatment of diabetes and one plant species was previously unknown for its medicinal use to treat diabetes in Morocco. The most frequently cited plant species are Allium sativum L., Salvia officinalis L., Marrubium vulgare L. and Lavandula dentata L. Leaves were the most cited plant part used, decoction is the preferred mode of preparation. ConclusionThis study showed the importance of folk medicine in the healthcare system for the local people living in the study area. The current study represents a useful documentation, which can contribute to preserving knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in this region and to explore the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of medicinal plants.

Contribution to the ethnobotanical study of antidiabetic medicinal plants of the Central Middle Atlas region (Morocco)

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants was carried out in the Central Middle Atlas in the years 2013 and 2014 to establish the catalog of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes. Thus, 1560 people were interviewed, using questionnaires. The latter enabled us to gather information on traditional healing practices of the local population including scientific name, French name, vernacular name, plant parts used , therapeutic indications , revenues and mode of administration. The results show that 76 medicinal species were inventoried in the study area. These plant species are included into 67 genus and 40 families. The most represented families are: Lamiaceae (12 species), Asteraceae and Brassicaceae species with 14 each. Of 76 medicinal species found in the region, four species are reported for the first time in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Morocco. They are Pistacia atlantica, Ptychotis verticillata, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Alyssum spinosum, Cistus albidus, Juniperus thurifera, Ephedra nebrodensis, Thymus algeriensis, Th. munbyanus, Th. zygis, Abelmoschus esculentus, Fraxinus augustifolia, Sorghum vulgare and, Eriobotrya japonica. The leaves are the most used organs (38%). The decoction is the dominant mode of preparation (50%) and administration is mostly for oral use (97%).

Diversity, Knowledge, and Use of Plants in Traditional Treatment of Diabetes in the Republic of Benin

We assessed the diversity, knowledge, and use of antidiabetic plants by traditional healers, plant traders, and farmers from different locations in Benin. Altogether, 254 face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Plant diversity was described, based on species richness. Jaccard Index was used to examine the similarity between locations. Consensus values for plant part and manner of use were also computed. A generalized linear model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution was applied to assess the effects of social factors on informants’ knowledge. A total of 203 antidiabetic plant species were mentioned, belonging to 176 genera and 72 families. Predominant used plant parts were leaves, roots, and bark. Main methods of remedy preparations included decoction and infusion. The number of plants mentioned was significantly different among locations (P < 0.05; highest value being found in South Borgou), categories of age (P < 0.05; with adults and older people better informed than youngsters), and types of occupation (P < 0.05; healers reporting more species than farmers and traders). The variation in knowledge among healers, farmers, and traders depended on the location and the category of age. For instance, adult healers disclosed more plants than adult farmers and adult traders, but knowledge of plants was similar either when they were young or old. This study revealed that plants were frequently collected from crop fields and forests, raising concerns of sustainable harvest. It is suggested that home gardens be promoted as tools to reduce pressures on natural forests and prevent medicinal plant erosion.

고과당식이 랫드모델에서 홍삼과 상엽 혼합투여에 의한 대사증후군 개선효과

ABSTRACT Objectives : Korean red ginseng and Morus alba L. are used as a traditional treatment for diabetes. This study was designed to elucidate whether combination with Korean red ginseng and Morus alba L. (MPM) ameliorates metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats. Methods : Animals were divided into four groups; Control receiving tap w ater, fructose-fed, rosiglitazone-treated fructose-fed rats, and MPM-treated fructo se-fed rats both receiving supplemented with 60% fructose (n=10). The MPM or rosiglitazone groups initially received a high-fructose (HF) diet alone for 8 weeks, with supplementation with MPM or rosiglitazone occurring during the final 6 weeks. Results : MPM and rosiglitazone, synthetic PPARγ agonist, treatment signi ficantly prevented the increase in fasting serum glucose, leptin, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein in the HF group when comparing with the control group. MPM and rosiglitazone also led to an increase in high density lipoprotein level in the HF group. The administration of MPM and rosiglitazone prevented th e development of the metabolic disturbances such as impaired glucose tolerance, and blood pressure. MPM sup pressed increased expressions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in HF rat aorta. In addition, MPM significantly increased IR-β and PPAR-γ expression in muscle. Conclusions : Based on these results, we suggest that the administration of MPM improves metabolic syndrome through the alteration in lipid profiles and suppression of insulin resistant and blood pressure.Key words : Korean red ginseng, Morus alba, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipide mia, hypertension.

Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) extract on insulin levels in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats

In traditional practice medicine, plants are used in many countries to control diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycaemic actions of these medicinal plants are beings studied. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) has been documented as a traditional treatment of diabetes. In the present study, oral administration of alcoholic fenugreek extract (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 g/kg body wt.) and glibenclamide (600 mg/kg body wt.) on plasma insulin in normal and diabetic rats was measured. After collection and taxonomic identification of plant, alcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds prepared by Clevenger and suxhlet apparatus respectively. The animals were made diabetic by using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). The normal and diabetic rats were administrated orally with the extract (100, 250, 500 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (600 mg/kg) for 14 days. Blood samples were obtained and the plasma insulin was measured by using the radioimmuno assay kit. The results showed that the extract increased level of plasma insulin significantly. A comparison was made between the action of the extract and a known antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide. The antidiabetic effect of the extract was more effective than that observed with glibenclamide. The levels of insulin were significantly decreased in plasma of diabetic rats compared with the control group. After treatment of the extract, the levels of them were significantly increased. So, it can serve as a good adjuvant in the present armamentarium of diabetic drugs.

The preventive role of aqueous extract of Coriander on optic nerve lesion in diabetic balb/c mice

Coriandrum sativum (coriander) has been documented as a traditional treatment of diabetes. On the base of this belief and as the studies about whether coriander reduces hyperglycemia in diabetic mice is little known are lacking, we decided to evaluate the effect of Aqueous Extract seed of Coriander on optic nerve in Balb/c Diabetic Mouse. In the present study, the beta cells of pancreas of 16 balb/c mice were chemically destroyed by an injection of 130 mg/kg alloxan, and was divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was treated by 2.5 g/l crude aqueous extract seed of coriander in drinking water for 16 weeks and in the same manner control group received just drinking water. After administration of aqueous extract, the blood samples were drawn from the tail vein at beginning of every day. Blood glucose levels were determined and compared with glucose levels in control group. After 4 month, all mice were sacrificed and their optic nerves were removed and were embedded and serial sections were carried out. To study the neuronal changes, the Golgi method and morphometric analyses were used. Our findings show that, the number of asterocytes in control group decreases significantly in contrast to experimental group. There is also a decrease of blood glucose level in experimental group (aqueous extract of coriander) in comparison to control group. Although coriander has a significant decreasing effect on blood glucose level and prevents Optic nerve lesion, little is unknown about its mechanism of action. Thus, more investigations are need.

Treatment of high fat diet induced type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6J mice by two medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of diabetes in the east of Algeria

Hydro-alcoholic extracts of Centaurium erythraea Rafn (CE), Gentianaceae and Artemisia herba-alba Asso (AHA), Asteraceae, medicinal plants used in traditional treatment of diabetes in north-eastern Algeria, were tested in established type 2 diabetes induced with a standardized high fat diet (HFD) in mice. After confirmation of diabetes (17th week), plant extracts were administered orally by gavage at a dose of 2 g/kg daily for 18 weeks to male C57BL/6J mice fed HFD. Animals were weighed, food intake and plasma glucose measured weekly, insulin and lipid profile at study end. At 35 weeks, groups treated with AHA or CE vs. HFD control had a significant reduction in mean (±SD) fasting blood glucose concentrations (143.8±23.9 and 139.5±14.2 vs. 229.0±20.8 mg/dL, p<0.05, respectively), triglyceride (18.9±11.1 and 16.0±6.5 vs. 62.8±18.3 mg/dL, p<0.05), total cholesterol (1.2±0.1 and 1.2±0.3 vs. 1.8±1.1 g/L, p<0.05) and serum insulin concentrations (1.7±0.7 and 0.9±0.7 vs. 3.3±14.3 ng/mL, p<0.05). Plant extracts also markedly reduced insulin resistance as compared to HFD controls (AHA: 15.6±9.1, CE: 9.0±7.7 vs. HFD control 38.5±30.3, p<0.05). The plant extracts decreased calorie intake and had little effect on body weight or HDL-cholesterol. AHA has already been shown to have a antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidemic effect but this is the first demonstration of an effect of AHA and CE on established HFD-induced diabetes.