[Protective effect of Co-enzyme Q10 on seizure, short term spatial memory and oxidative stress in induced-epileptic rats]

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy in human. Patients suffer from spontaneous seizures and memory deficiency. This study was done to assess the effect of Co-enzyme Q10 [CoQ10] administration on seizure, short-term spatial memory and stress oxidative indices in hippocampus of kainic acid-induced epilepsy. In this experimental study, 48 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: shamoperated; CoQ10 [10 mg/kg/bw]-treated SH; kainate; CoQ10 [2, 5 and 10 mg/kg/bw] treated kainic acid. CoQ10 was intraperitoneally administered daily for one week before intra-hippocampal injection of kainic acid [4microg/kg/bw] in animals. Kainic acid induced chronic and acute spontaneous seizures in animals. Also, kainic acid administration caused a reduction in alternational behavior rate [consecutive or serially entrance into all of arms in triplet set], increasing of malondialdehide, nitrite level and decreasing of superoxide dismutase activity compared to sham group [P<0.05]. Pre-treatment of kainate rats with CoQ10 decreased rate of spontaneous seizures [P<0.05]. CoQ10 increased alternational behavior rate, decreased malondialdehide and nitrite serum level [P<0.05]. But it had no significant effect on superoxide dismutase activity. Pre-treatment of kainic acid exposed rats with CoQ10 reduced rate of seizures and improved short-term spatial memory and oxidative stress indices in rats

[Protective effect of silymarin on learning and memory deficiency in streptozotocin-diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus cause learning, memory and cognitive skills disorders in the long term. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of silymarin on the learning and memory deficiency in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 240-300 grams. The rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups: control, silymarin-treated control [100 mg/kg], diabetic, and two silymarin-treated diabetic groups [50 and 100 mg/kg]. Silymarin was daily administered [i.p. and daily] ten days after streptozotocin injection for 4 weeks. Finally, initial [acquisition index] and step-through latencies [retention and recall index] were measured using passive avoidance test and alternation behavior percentage as an index of spatial memory was determined using Y maze. The level of malondialdehyde in the homogenate hippocampal tissue of the animals brains was measured. Data were analyzed using Sigma Stat-3.5, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Kruskall-Wallis tests. A significant reduction of STL was observed in diabetic [P<0.01] and silymarin-treated [50 mg/kg] diabetic [P<0.05] groups and this parameter was significantly higher in diabetic group receiving a high dose of silymarin compared to diabetic group [P<0.05]. Meanwhile, alternation percentage in diabetic animals was significantly lower than control group [P<0.05] and this index did not show a significant difference in silymarin-treated diabetic groups in comparison with diabetic group. In diabetic rats, there was a significant increase in the tissue level of malondialdehyde [P<0.05] and silymarin treatment with dosage of [100 mg/kg] significantly reduced the level of MDA [P<0.05]. This study showed that although long-term administration of silymarin at a high dose [100 mg/kg] affects the ability to store data in memory and to recall it in diabetic animals in passive avoidance test, it does not improve short-term spatial memory in diabetic animals. The beneficial effects of silymarin may be via attenuation of lipid peroxidation in hippocampus tissue

[Effect of chronic administration of silymarin on oxidative stress markers in renal tissue of diabetic rats]

Chronic diabetes mellitus is accompanied with enhanced oxidative stress and reduce the activity of antioxidant defense system. Due to significant role of enhanced oxidative stress in development of renal damage in diabetices, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of Silymarin on oxidative stress markers in renal tissue of diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, silymarin-treated control [100 mg/kg bw], diabetic, and silymarin -treated diabetic groups [50 and 100 mg/kg bw]. Silymarin was administered [daily and intraperitonealy] ten days after Streptozotocin injection for 4 weeks. Tissue level of malondialdehyde and nitrite and nitrate and activity of superoxide dismutase in kidney tissue were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. A significant increase in tissue level of malondialdehyde, nitrite and nitrate in diabetic rats were observed [P<0.05]. Silymarin treatment [100 mg/kg/bw] significantly reduced the tissue level of Malondialdehyde, nitrate and nitrate [P<0.05]. Non-significant recduction of activity of superoxide dismutase was oberved in diabetic rats and Silymarin treatment [50 and 100 mg/kg bw] did not significantly altered enzyme activity. Four weeks treatment of Silymarin [100 mg/kg bw] reduce oxidative stress indexes in renal tissue of diabetic rats

[ effect of chronic administration of silymarin on contractile-relaxation response of thoracic aorta of diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus is accompanied with higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders. There is some evidence on antidiabetic potential of silymarin. In this study the effect of chronic administration of silymarin on contractile-relaxation response of thoracic aorta of diabetic rats was investigated. In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of control, silymarin -treated control [100 mg/kg], diabetic, and silymarin -treated diabetic groups [50 and 100 mg/kg]. Ten days after streptozotocin injection, silymarin was daily administered [i.p.] for 4 weeks. At the end of study, contractile reactivity of thoracic aortic rings to KCl and phenylephrine and relaxation response to acetylcholine were determined using isolated tissue setup. Silymarin-treated diabetic group showed a significantly lower maximum contraction to KCl [at high dose] and phenylephrine at both doses [p<0.05-p<0.01] as compared to the diabetic group. Maximum relaxation response of rings to acetylcholine was significantly higher in silymarin-treated diabetic group [high dose] as compared to diabetics [p<0.05]. Meanwhile, there was also a higher relaxation response in silymarin-treated control group [high dose] in comparison to controls [p<0.05]. Chronic administration of silymarin could decrease contractile response and enhance relaxation response in aortic tissue of diabetic rat and this may be beneficial in prevention of long-term vascular complications of diabetes

[ effect of flavonoid naringenin on contractile response of thoracic aorta isolated from diabetic rats]

Background and Aims: Considering increasing incidence of cardiovascular disorders in diabetes mellitus and some evidence on antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of naringenin, this study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of 6-week administration of naringenin on contractile reactivity of isolated thoracic aorta in diabetic rats

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control, naringenin-treated control, diabetic and glibenclamide-treated, and naringenin-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin [STZ] was administered [60 mg/Kg]. Naringenin [10 mg/kg] was administered i.p. one week after diabetes induction in every other day intervals for 6 weeks. Serum glucose level was measured before naringeninadministration and at 6th week. Finally, contractile reactivity of thoracic aortic rings to KCl and phenylephrine [PE] was cumulatively determined

Results: Serum glucose level at week 6 showed a significant decrease in naringenin-treated diabetic group compared to diabetics [P<0.01]. In addition, naringenin-treated diabetic group showed a significantly lower contraction to PE [P<0.05] as compared to diabetic group and such significant reduction was also observed for KCl [P<0.05]. Meanwhile, there was also a significant difference between control and naringenin-treated control groups regarding their contractile reactivity to PE [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Subchronic administration of naringenin for 6 weeks could exert an anti-hyperglycemic effect and lowers contractile responsiveness of thoracic aorta rings to KCl and phenylephrine

[Neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris L. in a model of parkinson's disease in rat]

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease of dopaminergic neurons in substancia nigra. Superoxides formation is one of the main etiologies of the disease, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] are able to suppress superoxide formation. Berberis vulgaris is an ACE inhibitor and considered for this purpose. Male rats [n=32] were divided in 4 groups: Sham, Neurotoxin [injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into left hemisphere SNC], Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract [10 mg/kg] and captopril. Berberis and captopril were injected i.p. 7 days before and 3 days after 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Muscle rigidity, apomorphine test, brain protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation as well as serum and brain ACE activity were assayed in all 4 groups. Rotation test with apomorphine in captopril and Berberis groups were significantly lower than neurotoxin group [p=0.002]. Lipid peroxidation in captopril was significantly lower than neurotoxin [p=0.013]. Captopril and Berberis both inhibited serum ACE activity respectively, but Berberis inhibited brain ACE too. Berberis vulgaris aqueous extract is an ACE inhibitor with anti-parkinsonism effect and should be studied more

[Effect of consumption of tribulus terrestris on serum glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats]

The effect of Tribulus terrestris [TT] on serum glucose and lipid levels was investigated in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus in rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into control, TT-treated control, diabetic, glibenclamide-treated, and TT-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin [STZ] was administered [60 mg/Kg]. Meanwhile, TT-treated groups received TT mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 6 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were determined before the study and at the 3 rd and 4 th week after the study. Serum glucose was significantly lower in TT-treated diabetic rats at 3 rd and 6 th weeks as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.01 and p<0.005, respectively]. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol showed a significant reduction in TT-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.05]. On the other hand, HDL-cholesterol level did not change significantly in TT-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group. Oral administration of TT has a significant hypoglycemic effect and in long term leads to appropriate changes in serum LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but does not affect HDL-cholesterol levels in diabetic rats

[Antinociceptive effect of Allium schoenoprasum L. oral feeding in male diabetic rats]

Hyperalgesia is considered as one of the marked signs of subchronic diabetes mellitus that could affect the life style of the patients. This study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of chronic feeding of Allium schoenoprasum [AS] leaf in streptozotocin-diabetic rats using formalin and tail immersion tests. Rats were divided into control, AS leaf-treated control, diabetic sodium salicylate [SS]-treated diabetic, and AS leaf-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of AS leaf-mixed pelleted food p3%] for 8 weeks. Finally hyperalgesia were assessed using standard formalin and tail immersion tests. Averaged pain score for the first 0-10 min and the later 16-60 min after formalin infection was regarded as acute and chronic phases, respectively. AS leaf treatment of diabetic rats reduced pain score in chronic phase of formalin test from 2.41 +/- 0.14 to 2.01 +/- 0.12 [P<0.05]. Regarding hot tail immersion test, diabetic rats showed a significant reduction [5.9 s] in tail flick latency as compared to control ones [P<0.05]. However, AS leaf treatment of diabetic rats did not significantly increase this latency relative of untreated diabetics. Taken together, 8-week administration of AS leaf could attenuate nociceptive score in chronic phase of formalin test in streptozotocin-induced experimental model of diabetes mellitus, but, had no effect on thermal pain. Perhaps, the anti-inflammatory property of the plant is responsible for its analgesic effect

[ effect of tribulus terrestris on thoracic aorta contractile response in diabetic rats]

Considering the higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders in diabetes mellitus and some evidence on antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Tribulus terrestris [TT], this study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effect of 6-week oral administration of TT on contractile reactivity of isolated thoracic aorta in diabetic rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into control, TT-treated control, diabetic, glibenclamide-treated, and TT-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin [STZ] was administered [60 mg/Kg]. Meanwhile, TT-treated groups received TT-mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 6 weeks. Serum glucose level was measured at weeks 3 and 6. Finally, contractile reactivity of thoracic aortic rings to KCl and phenylephrine [PE] was determined. Serum glucose level at weeks 3 and 6 showed a significant decrease in TT-treated diabetic group [P<0.01 and P<0.005 respectively] compared to diabetics. In addition, TT-treated diabetic group showed a significant lower contraction to PE [P<0.05] as compared to diabetic group and such significant reduction was also observed for KCl [P<0.05]. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between control and TT-treated control groups regarding their contractile reactivity to KCl and PE. Oral administration of TT for 6 weeks could exert a hypoglycemic effect and also attenuates the contractile responsiveness of the vascular system and this may prevent the development of hypertension in diabetic rats

[Evaluation of the effect of lycium barbarum fruit feeding on Serum glucose, lipids, HDL-and LDL-cholesterol in diabetic rats]

Use of medicinal plants for attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal level is clinically very important. In this study, the effect of oral administration of Lycium barbarum [LB] fruit on serum glucose and lipids was investigated in diabetic rats. Thirty two female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups; control, LB-treated control, diabetic, and LB-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant [fruit]-mixed pelleted food [at a weight ratio of 6.25%] for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-and HDL-cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 3rd and 6th weeks after the study. LB treated diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in glucose level compared to non treated group at 3rd and 6th weeks [P<0.01-0.005]. There were no significant changes regarding to total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Meanwhile, LB administration significantly increased HDL-cholesterol level [P<0.05] and reduced LDL-cholesterol level [P<0.01] in treated diabetic group as compared with untreated diabetic group. Oral administration of LB fruit has a significant hypoglycemic effect and led to appropriate changes only in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol

Evaluation of the effect of chronic administration of silymarin on thermal and chemical hyperalgesia in an experimental model of diabetic neuropathy in male rats

Hyperalgesia is recongnized as one of the marked signs of diabetic neuropathy. Considering the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of silymarin, this study was designed to investigate the analgesic effect of silymarin in an experimental model of diabetic neuropathy in male rats. In warm tail immersion test, rats were divided into control, silymarin-treated control, diabetic, silymarin-treated diabetic groups. For the formalin test, sodium salicylate [SS]-treated control and diabetic groups were addded to the previous four groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin [60 mg/Kg, i.p., STZ] was administered as a single dose. The treatment groups [in diabetic group, before induction of diabetes], first received a single dose [200mg/kg; i.p] and then a daily dose [100mg/kg;i.p] of silymarin for eight weeks. Results showed that diabetic rats exhibited a higher score of pain during both phases of the formalin test [P=0.03-0.006] and significant decrease in tail flick latency [P<0.02] after eight weeks of diabetic induction in the warm tail immersion test. Treatment with silymarin for eight weeks caused significant decrease in pain scores at both phases of the formalin test [P=0.06-0.0006] and increase in tail flick latency [P=0.03]. On the other hand, silymarin caused no significant decrease in pain scores of control rats. It seems that eight weeks i.p. administration of silymarin could attenuate nociception in an experimental model of diabetic neuropathy, which may be considered as a treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy

[Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect of chronic administration of naringenin in diabetic rats]

Use of medicinal plants and their effective constituents for attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal level is very important. Naringenin as an effective protective of flavonoid exhibits is mainly found in citrus fruits. To investigate the effect of chronic administration of naringenin on serum glucose and lipids in diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats [n = 40] were divided into 5 groups, i.e. control, naringenin-treated control, diabetic, and naringenin- or glibenclamide-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin [STZ] was administered [60 mg/Kg; i.p.]. Naringenin was administered i.p. at a dose of 10 mg/kg one week after diabetes induction for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 3[rd] and 61[th] weeks after the study. There was a significant reduction in serum glucose level at 3[rd] and 6[th] weeks in naringenin-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.01]. In addition, there was not a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol in naringenin-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetics. Regarding serum triglyceride, there was a significant reduction in naringenin-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.01]. On the other hand, naringenin administration did not significantly increase HDL-cholesterol level and reduce LDL-cholesterol level in treated diabetics relative to untreated diabetic group. Chronic administration of naringenin had a significant antihyperglycemic effect and led to appropriate significant changes only in serum triglyceride

[Effects of oral crataegus SPP branchlet on serum concentration of glucose and lipid and protection of beta cells in diabetic rats]

Medicinal plants are known for their effects in attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal levels. In this study, the effects of oral administration of Crataegus spp [CS] branchlet on serum glucose, lipids, and beta cell density in diabetic rats were investigated. Male NMRI rats [n = 32] were divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, CS-treated control, diabetic, and the CS-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol concentrations were determined before the study, and 3 and 6 weeks after the study. Density of beta cells in 4 groups was determined using the monochrome Gomori staining method. Serum glucose concentration was significantly lower in the CS-treated diabetic group, compared to diabetics, 3 and 6 weeks after the study [p<0.05]. In addition, there were no significant changes regarding serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the treated diabetic group as compared to the diabetic group. On the other hand, the treated diabetic group showed significantly lower levels of LDL-cholesterol as compared to the diabetic group [p<0.05]. Regarding histology, beta cell density significantly decreased in diabetic rats, while CS treatment caused no changes. Oral administration of CS has a significant hypoglycemic effect and lowers serum LDL-cholesterol

[Survey the effect of feeding of allium latifolium on contractile reactivity of aorta of diabetic rats]

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is accompanied with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. With regard to antidiabetic potential of derivatives of Allium latifolium [AL], the effect of oral administration of this plant on the contractile reactivity of isolated aorta in diabetic rats was investigated during 6 weeks

Objective: Survey the Effect of Feeding of Allium Latifolium on Contractile Reactivity of Aorta of Diabetic rats

Materials and Methods: In this study male wistar rats [n=32] were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, AL-treated control, diabetic, and AL-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin [60 mg/kg i.p.] was used. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed standard pelleted food [6.25%] for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, contractile reactivity of aortic rings to KCl and nor adrenaline was determined by using isolated tissue setup

Results: Serum glucose level in diabetic group increased during 6 weeks after the experiment as compared with one week before the study [p<0.001] AL treatment of diabetic rats showed a significant hypoglycemic effect [p<0.01]. In addition, the latter group showed a lower contraction to KCl [P<0.05] and nor adrenaline [P<0.01] as compared with diabetic group. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between control and AL-treated control groups regarding contractile reactivity

Conclusion: use of Oral administration of AL for 6 weeks can attenuate the contractile responsiveness of the vascular system and this may prevent the development of hypertension in diabetic rats

[ effect of chronic oral feeding of Apium graveolens on learning and memory in diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus [especially type I] is accompanied with disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in the human society and experimental animals. Considering the beneficial effect of Apium graveolens [AG] on lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia and on serum lipids in diabetes mellitus, this research study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chronic oral administration of AG on learning and memory in diabetic rats using passive avoidance test. For this purpose, male Wistar diabetic rats were randomly divided into control, AG-treated control, diabetic, and AG-treated diabetic groups. AG treatment [at a weight ratio of 1/15 mixed with rat chow] continued for 6 weeks. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin was injected i.p. at a single dose of 60 mg/kg. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial latency [IL] and step-through latency [STL] were determined at the end of study using passive avoidance test. Meanwhile, alternation behavior percentage was determined using Y maze. There was a significant increase [p<0.05] in IL in diabetic and AG-treated diabetic groups after 6 weeks as compared to control group. In this respect, there was no significant difference between diabetic and AG-treated diabetic groups. On the other hand, STL significantly decreased [p<0.05] in diabetic group and significantly increased [p<0.05] in AG-treated diabetic group as compared to control group at the end of study. In addition, STL did not significantly change in AG-treated control group in comparison with control group. Results of Y-maze showed that alternation was significantly higher [p<0.05] in AG-treated diabetic rats relative to untreated diabetic ones and AG treatment did not have any significant effect in control group. Chronic oral administration of AG could enhance the consolidation and recall capability of stored information and improve spatial memory in diabetic animals

[ effect of administration of apium graveolens aqeous extract on the serum levels of glucose and lipids of diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders, which is accompanied by debilitating complications in the long term. Considering the therapeutic significance of medicinal plants, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of i.p. intraperitonead administration of Apium graveolens on the serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels of diabetic rats. Twentyeight, female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, i.e. the control, AG-treated control, the diabetic, and AG-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received 200 mg/kg i.p. of the aqueous extract of the plant on alternate days for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and two and four weeks after the study. Serum glucose levels in diabetic group increased 2 and 4 weeks after the experiment as compared to data obtained one week before the study [P<0.001]; AG treatment of diabetic rats did not have any significant effect. In addition, triglyceride levels in the diabetic group increased 4 weeks after the experiment in comparison to related data of one week before the study [P<0.05] and there was a significant lower level of triglyceride in AG-treated diabetic rats [p<0.01]. Furthermore, a similar significant reduction was obtained for the treateddiabetic group as compared to the diabetic group regarding serum cholesterol levels [p<0.05]. On the other hand, HDL- and LDL- cholesterol levels were significantly higher [p<0.05] and lower [p<0.01] in the AG-treated diabetic group as compared to the untreated diabetic group respectively. Although intraperitoneal administration of the aqueous extract of Apium graveolens has no significant hypoglycemic effect, it could possibly lead to appropriate changes in blood lipid profiles

[ effect of prolonged oral administration of silybum marianum [SM] shoots on learning and memory in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus [DM] especially type A, is accompanied by disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in human society and experimental animals. Regarding the beneficial effect of SM on lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia and on serum lipids in DM, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prolonged oral administration of SM on learning and memory in diabetic rats. Female wistar rats [n = 36] were randomly divided into control, SM-treated control, diabetic, and SM-treated diabetic groups. Treatment groups received a mixture of SM and standard rat food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 4 weeks.To induce diabetes, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 60 mg/kg. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial latency [IL] and step-through latency [STL] were determined at the end of the study using passive avoidance test. Meanwhile, alternation behavior percentage was determined using Y maze test. There was a significant increase [p = 0.032] in IL in diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups after 4 weeks compared to control group. There was no significant difference between diabetic and SM-treated diabetic groups. On the other hand, STL decreased significantly [p = 0.032] in diabetic group while it increased significantly [p = 0.027] in SM-treated group compared to control group at the end of the study. The results of Y maze showed that alternation score was not different between treated and untreated diabetic groups. SM could enhance the consolidation and recall capability of stored information but did not affect spatial memory of diabetic animals

[ effect Allium ampeloprasum feeding on serum level of glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol of diabetic rats]

Use of medicinal plants for attenuation of hyperglycemia and restoration of lipids to normal level is clinically important. Since garlic and leek are similar regarding some effective substances as well as the antidiabetic effect of garlic, this study was performed to evaluate the effect of chronic oral administration of leek [Allium ampeloprasum] on serum level of glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol of diabetic rats. In the current study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, AA-treated control, diabetic, and AA-treated diabetic group. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were measured in all animals prior to the treatmen as well as two and four weeks after the treatment. Serum glucose levels were increased 4 weeks after the treatment in diabetic group compared to those levels was observed one week before the treatment [P<0.0001] and also AA treatment of diabetic rats did exert a significant hypoglycemic effect as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.05]. In addition, triglyceride levels were increased 4 weeks after the treatment in the diabetic group in comparison with related levels observed one week prior to the treatment [P<0.05] and there was a significant lower level of triglyceride in AA-treated diabetic rats [p<0.05]. Furthermore, a similar significant reduction was obtained for treated-diabetic group as compared to diabetic group regarding serum cholesterol level [p<0.01]. Oral chronic administration of AA could reduce serum glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels of STZ-diabetic rats

effect of long term oral administration of Hypericum perforatum aerial part on learning and memory in diabetic rats by means of passive avoidance test

Diabetes mellitus [especially type I] is accompanied with disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in the human beings and experimental animals. Considering the potential nootropic effect of the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum [HP], therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of long term oral administration of HP aerial part on learning and memory in diabetic rats by use of passive avoidance test. In this study, male Wistar diabetic rats were randomly divided into control, HP-treated control, diabetic, and HP-treated diabetic groups. HP treatment continued for 1 to 2 months. For induction of diabetes a single dose of streptozotocin 60mg/kg was injected i.p. Serum glucose level was determined before the study and at the 4[th] and 8[th] weeks after the experiment. In addition, for evaluation of learning and memory, initial latency [IL] and step-through latency [STL] were determined after 1 and 2 months using passive avoidance test. One- and two-month administration of HP aerial part at a weight ratio of 1/15 did not show any significant hypoglycemic effect in treated control and diabetic groups. Furthermore, there was a significant increase [p<0.05] in IL in diabetic and HP-treated diabetic groups after two months as compared to control group. In this respect, there was no significant difference between diabetic and HP-treated diabetic groups. In addition, STL significantly increased in HP-treated control group after 1 [p<0.05] and 2 [p<0.05] months in comparison with control group. On the other hand, STL significantly decreased [p<0.05] in diabetic group and significantly increased [p<0.05] in HP-treated diabetic group as compared to control group after two months. In summary, long term oral administration of HP aerial part could enhance the recall capability of stored information in control and diabetic animals

Analgesic effect of chronic oral administration of aerial Part of Marrubium Vulgare in diabetic rats

Considering the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effect of marrubium vulgare [MV], this study was designed to investigate the analgesic effect of MV on formalin-induced nociceptive response [standard formalin test] in diabetic rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into control, MV-treated control diabetic sodium salicylate [SS]-treated diabetic, sodium salicylate [SS]-treated control and MV-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotocin was used at a single dose. The treatment groups received oral administration of MV-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for two months. In this study, administration of sodium salicylate to control and diabetic groups caused a significant reduction in pain score in the second phase of formalin test [p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively]. On the other hand, administration of marrubium vulgare for two months to control and diabetic groups caused a significant reduction in pain score at both phases of the formalin test [21.3% [p<0.05] and 18.4% reductions [p<0.05]] in control and diabetic groups [17.6% [p<0.05] and 17.9% reductions [p< 0.05]] as compared to untreated control and diabetic groups. The results indicate that administration of marrubium vulgare could attenuate nociceptive score in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus and this may be considered as a potential treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy