Effects of Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum on Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Stress in STZ- and STZ+niacinamide-induced Diabetes Mellitus Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder with disruption of glucose and lipid metabolism. Many herbal extracts are used for treatment of diabetes. Allium sativum, (garlic), is one of a plant that is routinely used in Iranian population. In this study we investigated the effects of aqueous garlic extract on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress status in the serum of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control rats (C), normal rats that received aqueous garlic extract (C-AGE), STZ-induced diabetic rats (DM1), DM1 treated with garlic (DM1+AGE), STZ+niacinamide-induced diabetic rats (DM2), DM2 treated with garlic (DM2+AGE). At the end of the treatment time, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were measured in the serum of rats. Results: The level of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and bilirubin increased in diabetic rats compared with control rats. Whereas, they decreased in DM+AGE groups compared with DM rats. The increase in oxidative parameters and decrease in antioxidant parameters were shown in the serum of diabetic rats. Whereas, oral administration of garlic extract, caused that they were normalized. Conclusions: Aqueous extract of garlic extract can reduce glucose and lipids levels near to normal range and decreased oxidative stress. Therefore it has hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in STZ- and STZ+niacinamide-induced diabetic rats.