An Investigation into the Effects of Alcoholic Extract of Alhagi Maurorum on Lipid Profiles In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Disorders in Lipid production are one of the most common problems associated with diabetes seen in approximately 40% of patients. In this study, the effects of alcoholic extract of Alhagi maurorum on the serum levels of lipids in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats are investigated. For the purpose of this experimental research, 42 male Wistar rats were divided in 6 Groups of seven: the control, diabetic sham and 4 experimental groups. Diabetic sham received 70 mg/kg Streptozotocin once at the beginning of the experiment; the experimental groups 1 and 2 daily received 250 and 500 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum alcoholic extract respectively; the experimental groups 3 and 4 first received Streptozotocin once, and then a daily dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg extract. Oral administration of alcoholic extract continued over a period of two months. 48 hours after the last administration, blood samples were prepared and used for measurement of serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Serum levels of triglyceride and LDL Cholesterol in the diabetic sham compared to the control group showed a significant increase (p<0.05). On the other hand, serum levels of triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the experimental group 2 (500 mg/kg extract) compared to the control group demonstrated a significant decrease (p<0.05). Also, serum total cholesterol concentration in the experimental group 1 (250 mg/kg extract) compared to the control group indicated a significant reduction, while HDL cholesterol increased significantly in this group (p<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the serum levels of triglyceride and LDL cholesterol in the experimental group 4 in comparison with diabetic sham, whereas concentration of HDL cholesterol in experimental Group 3 increased significantly (p<0.05).Due to itsantioxidant properties, alcoholic extract of Alhagi maurorum can reduce Streptozotocin toxicity leading to an improvement in Serum lipid profiles of diabetic patients.