Abstract
Background
Liver dysfunction is a predominant complication of diabetes. Herbal remedies such as garlic are commonly used for reducing diabetic complications. In this study the effect of garlic extract on glucose level, liver enzymes activities in the serum and nitric oxide (NO) level, oxidative stress status, and histology in the liver tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (type 1) was investigated.
Methods
Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized and divided into four groups: control rats, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with garlic, and garlic-treated normal rats. Glucose level and liver enzymes activities were determined by colorimetric assay in the serum. NO levels by Griess method, oxidative stress parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by spectrophotometric method, and histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining method were evaluated in the liver tissues.
Results
Glucose level, liver enzymes activities, MDA, TOS, and NO levels were increased and TAC level decreased significantly in diabetic rats in comparison with control rats (p<0.01); whereas, after oral administration of garlic, glucose level, liver enzymes activities, MDA, TOS, and NO levels were decreased and TAC level increased significantly near to the normal levels (p<0.05).
Conclusion
The results showed the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of garlic in the livers of type 1 diabetic rats.
A novel therapeutics agent: antioxidant effects of hydroxylfasudil on rat kidney and liver tissues in a protamine sulphate-induced cystitis rat model; preliminary results
