EFFECTS OF HYDROALCHOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS (DILL) ON PLASMA GLUCOSE AN LIPID LEVELS IN DIABETES INDUCED RATS

Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease probably caused by various factors such genetics, environmental stresses, viral infections and diet. The disease is associated with damage to pancreatic insulin-producing β cells. Many researches have been performed to study the therapeutic effects of herbal medications on diabetes mellitus. The protective effects of some plants such as Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Saliva sclarea, Allium ampeloprasum etc in diabetes induced rats were reported. Dill with the scientific name of Anethum graveolens, is a plant from umbellifera. This family which contains flavonoid compounds. In this research, effects of hydroalchoholic extract of this plant on blood glucose level, lipids and lipoproteins in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Fifteen adult male rats, weighing 200-250 gr, were used in three five member groups. Rats in the control group, received physiological serum. as intraperitoneal (IP). In diabetic control group (DCG), diabetes was induced using Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 120 mg/kgbw. In addition to diabetes induction just like DCG, the treated diabetic control group (TDCG) rats were dosed with 300 mg/kgbw hydroalcoholic Anethum graveolens extract. All rats received all materials via intraperitoneal injection (IP). 48 hours after the last IP, blood sample was taken from each animal via cardiac puncture to measure blood factors. The results indicated significant reduction in glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels in TDCG rats compared to DCG rats. Due to the use of dill extract, HDL level was significantly increased. Effect of Anethum graveolens is related to antioxidant compounds. This compounds affect glucose absorbtion and beta cells regeneration. The results of this research indicate that using hydroalcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens could effectively decrease blood sugar levels.