ABSTRACT
Phytotherapy has a promising future in the management of diabetes, considered to be less toxic and free from side effects as compared to the use of synthetic drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess the antidiabetic possible of orally administered aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii [ML] and Olea europaea [OL] leaves [100 and 200 mg/kg doses], in streptozotocin [70 mg/kg] induced diabetic rats. Metformin was used as a standard drug. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine levels and body weight were estimated. ML and OL administration showed significant decrease [p>/=0.05] in cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum glucose levels [range 55.6%-64.6%] compared to the metformin [62.7%]; however, there was no significant effect on body weight and serum creatinine. Our results suggest that both the ML and OL possess a potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effect, which may be due to the presence of antioxidants such as carbazole alkaloids and polyphenols
ABSTRACT
The recent theories of the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] have focused on the role of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The insights into the role of hyperinsulinemia in the development of PCOS brought into focus the role of obesity, which magnifies hyperinsulinemia observed in PCOS patients. [1] To study the variations in the levels of insulin and reproductive hormones in lean, overweight, and obese females with and without PCOS. [2] To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric measurements, insulin, and reproductive hormones. A comparative cross-sectional study at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center [KFSH and RC], and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umm Al-Qura University. 212 Saudi female volunteers aged 19-36 years. Cases were 90 women with PCOS. Controls were 122 volunteers representing cross section of Saudi society. The cases and controls were subdivided into six groups according to their body mass index [BMI]; lean [BMI 18.5-24], overweight [BMI 25-29], and obese [BMI >30]. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, height, BMI, and waist: Hip ratio. Hormone and metabolic assessment was made for fasting insulin, glucose, FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstendione, and SHBG. Main Outcome Measures: The correlation between anthropometric measurements, insulin, and reproductive hormones in females with and without PCOS. Significant positive correlation between BMI and insulin was seen in overweight and obese control women. Fasting insulin levels were significantly higher among obese control women and PCOS patients. The presence of PCOS was not associated with any differences in FSH levels, but LH levels were increased significantly. Progesterone levels were significantly lower and E[2] levels were significantly higher among the PCOS patients than their control females. Testosterone and androstenedione levels were significantly higher and SHBG significantly lower in both obese control and PCOS patients. The main finding was a significant positive correlation between BMI and insulin in overweight and obese control women. In addition, insulin levels were significantly high in obese group, which confirmed that obesity in Saudi women is associated with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Longitudinal follow-up studies of these women are, therefore, recommended to evaluate the effects on future fertility and reproductive health