Effect of Some Indian Herbs on Dyslipidemia in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes is one of the commonest and serious metabolic disorders. Much of the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes is primarily attributed to sequelae requelac of microvascular and macrovascular changes, in which diabetic dyslipidemia is one of the many modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antidyslipidemic effect of selected Indian plants in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Material and Methods: Azadirachta indica and Ocimm sanctum leaves, Allium sativum bulbs and Momordica charantia fruits were collected, identified taxonomically and extract was obtained. Male Albino rats was used and divided into 8 groups, each consisting of 6 animals, one group act as a control. Diabetes in rats was induced with streptozotocin. Blood samples were collected and biochemical analysis was done for blood sugar, lipid peroxide and lipid profile. The diabetic group without drug treatment was compared with the control, and diabetic plus drug-treated groups were compared with the diabetic group without drug treatment. Data were analyzed using Student 't' test.

Results: Our results revealed that administration of streptozotocin in rats caused increase in the levels of glucose, lipid peroxides, cholesterol and triglycerides with lessening of the HDL-cholesterol. Treatment with aqueous extracts of Momordica charantia, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum not only reduced the level of blood glucose but also caused lowering of total cholesterol and triglycerides following an increase in the level of HDL-cholesterol.

Conclusion: We concluded that the herbal plants tested possess both hypoglycemic and antidyslipidemic activities and their use as a therapeutic tool in diabetes related complications encourage further investigation in this field.