Anti-Diabetic Effects of Amygdalus Lycioides Spach in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugar and abnormalities in insulin secretion and action. There are many anti-diabetic plants, which might supply useful sources for developing new medicines that can be used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the anti-diabetic properties of the aerial parts of Amygdalus lycioides in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Sixty rats were divided into 6 groups: streptozocin-induced diabetic control, insulin-treated diabetic group, and four Amygdalus lycioides-treated diabetic groups (125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day). After 2 weeks of plant extract administration, the effects of extracts on blood glucose, body weight, BUN, creatinine, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, total protein, Na, K, and plasma enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) were analyzed. The pancreas of rats was also stained for stereological studies. Phytochemical evaluation of this extract showed the presence of flavonoids and tannins compounds. Glucose serum levels and glucose tolerance test showed a decrease in treatment with Amygdalus lycioides (1000 mg/kg). Serum total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels were decreased significantly by the extract but aspartate aminotransferase found to be increased after treatment. The total number and numerical density of beta cells increased in the Amygdalus lycioides group (1000 mg/kg). It seems that Amygdalus lycioides may act as a potential drug to treat diabetes and its complications. However, more investigations should be done to more clarify these results.