Flavonoid-Enriched Extract from Desert Plant Warionia saharae Improves Glucose and Cholesterol Levels in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Warionia saharae Benth and Coss, is a medicinal plant used for its anti-diabetic properties in Morocco. This study was designed to examine the effect of the Flavonoid-Enriched Extract (FEE) obtained from Warionia saharae (W. saharae) on glucose and lipid metabolism in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Acute (6 h) and sub-chronic (15 days) oral administration of FEE (10 mg/kg) was used to assess the glucose and lipid-lowering activity in normal and diabetic rats. Furthermore, glucose test tolerance, liver histopathological examination and in vitro antioxidant activity of FEE were carried out in this study. RESULTS: Results indicated that FEE was able to exert antihyperglycemic activity. Additionally, FEE improved histopathological status of liver and pancreas in diabetic rats and possessed antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that FEE had potent antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats.