Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Echium amoenum on glycemic control and body weight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important metabolic disorders worldwide. Today numerous medicinal plants have been used for the management of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Echium amoenum (EA) hydroalcoholic extract on blood glucose and weight in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar rats, were randomly divided to five groups with six rats per group: control diabetic diabetic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of EA (100, 400 and 600 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in the rats by administrating a single dose of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip). Blood sugar and animal’s weight were measured on day 0 (baseline), 10, 20 and 30 day after baselines. Finally, insulin and activities of superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) levels were determined. Results: In all groups treated with extract the mean of weight was significantly increased compared whit diabetic group (P<0.05) and the mean of blood glucose showed a significant decrease compared whit diabetic group (P<0.05). Insulin levels in animals treated with a dose of 600 mg/kg extracts showed a significant increase compared with diabetic group. SOD activity in groups receiving doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg increased compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study proved that the EA hydroalcoholic extract has hypoglycemic effect and could be prevented Weight loss due to diabetes. These effects are probably due to the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, saponins and its antioxidant features.