Time-Dependent Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Allium Ascalonicum L. Feeding in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is one the most important risk factors for some disorders. Reduction of serum glucose and lipid levels in diabetic patients due to medicinal plants is clinically important. The aim of this study was to evaluate time-dependent anti-diabetic effect of Allium ascalonicum L. (AA) feeding.METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (250-350 g) were divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, AA-treated control, diabetic, and AA-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food for 8 weeks. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was used for diabetes induction. Serum glucose and lipids levels were determined before the study, and at 4th and 8th weeks after the study using routine enzymatic methods.FINDINGS: Serum glucose was significantly lower (29.8% and 56.2%) in AA-treated diabetic rats at 4th and 8th week as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.01; p<0.005). In addition, serum total cholesterol showed a significant reduction (38.3% and 47.1%) at 4th and 8th weeks in AA-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics (p<0.01). There was also a significant lower level of triglyceride (30.9%) in AA-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05) only at 8th week. On the other hand, although AA treatment did not cause a significant improvement in HDL-cholesterol level in treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group, but a significant lower level of LDL-cholesterol at 4th and 8th weeks (39.1% and 42.5%) was observed in AA-treated diabetics (p