Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius on activity of hepatic transaminases in alloxan - induced diabetic rats

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) flowers mostly used for coloring and flavoring food are attributed with anti-rheumatic and anti-diabetic effects in traditional medicine. The purpose of this research was to experimentally assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius on the level of AST and ALT in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In the present study 18 male Wistar rats of body wt. 180 – 220 g were randomly allocated into three groups with six rats per group: first group non-diabetic rats; second group diabetic rats; third group diabetic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Carthamus tinctorius (200 mgkg-1 BW i.p.). Rats were fasted for 16h and then fasting blood samples were collected in heparinated tubes. Sampling was performed from the orbital sinus. ANOVA was used for data analysis. Our results indicated a significant difference in AST and ALT levels in the diabetic group compared with the other groups (P