Leaf Aqueous Extract of Argania spiniosa Exhibits Antihyperglycemic 
Effect in Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION: Argania Spinosa L. (Sapotaceae) is an endemic species from south-western Morocco. This plant has many traditional uses including its use in the treatment of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Argania Spinosa Leaf Aqueous Extract (A.S.L.A.E). METHODS: The antidiabetic effect of A.S.L.A.E was evaluated in both normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats treated at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. The histopathological changes in the liver were evaluated. In addition, the antioxidant activity of this extract was also studied. RESULTS: Single oral administration of A.S.L.A.E (20 mg/kg) showed no significant change in blood glucose levels in both normal and STZ induced diabetic rats after 6 hours of administration. Furthermore, in normal rats, repeated oral administration of A.S.L.A.E reduced blood glucose levels. Moreover, blood glucose levels decreased in STZ diabetic rats after fifteen days of treatment. According to the oral glucose tolerance test, the A.S.L.A.E (20 mg/kg) was shown to prevent significantly the increase in blood glucose levels in normal treated rats. Moreover, A.S.L.A.E showed antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: The results show that Argania spinosa leaf aqueous extract possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity.