Effects of a triplex mixture of Peganum harmala, Rhus coriaria, and Urtica dioica aqueous extracts on metabolic and histological parameters in diabetic rats

Abstract

Context: Several therapeutic effects such as antioxidant and blood glucose-lowering activities have been reported for Peganum harmala L (Zygophyllaceae) (PH) seeds, Rhus coriaria L (Anacardiaceae) (RC) fruits, and Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) (UD) leaves.

Objective: This study investigates the effects of a triplex mixture (1:1:1) of these medicinal plants on metabolic and histological parameters in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Aqueous extracts of PH, RC and UD were administered as either monotherapy or in combination at a final dose of 200 mg/kg to alloxan-induced diabetic rats by daily gavage. Biochemical parameters including blood glucose, liver function-related enzymes, lipid profile, and creatinine were estimated by spectrophotometric methods. Tissues from the liver and kidney stained with hematoxylin/eosin were histologically examined. The results obtained from the exposure groups were compared to either healthy or diabetic control groups.

Results: Compared with the diabetic control rats, all aqueous extracts (ED₅₀ = 11.5 ± 2.57 mg/ml) led to significant decreases in the levels of ALP (1.39–2.23-fold, p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (1.79–3.26-fold, p < 0.05), and blood glucose (1.27–4.16-fold, p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of TG was decreased only by treatment with UD and triplex mixture (1.25- and 1.20-fold, respectively, p < 0.05). Among the studied parameters, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDL-C, TG, and creatinine recovered to healthy control levels after 4 weeks of treatment with the extract mixture.

Conclusion: This study showed that PH, RC, and UD extracts, especially their combination, had significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and liver and renal damage recovering effects.

• Antidiabetic drugs
• blood glucose
• creatinine
• herbal remedies
• lipid profile
• liver function

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Masoud Darabi for critical revising of the manuscript and Dr. Ahmad Razban Haghighi at the Tabriz Reference Herbarium, University of Tabriz, for providing herbal materials.

Declaration of interest

The authors report that they have no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. This study was financially supported by a research grant from the Higher Educational Center of Jahad-e-Keshavarzi, Tabriz, Iran (Project no.: 7114/261/2)