effect of long-term consumption of Commiphora Mukul feeding on the serum levels of glucose and lipids of diabetic rats

ABSTRACT

Considering the beneficial anti-lipidemic effects of Commiphora Mukul [CM] [ashwagandha] on metabolism, the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of this plant were investigated in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, CM-treated control, diabetic, and CM-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for two months. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 4 and 8th weeks after the experiment The weight loss [%] in CM-treated diabetic rats [7.8 +/- 2.2%] compared to diabetic [29.8 +/- 2.2%] ones showed a significant difference [P < 0.05]. Serum glucose levels in diabetic rats increased significantly, compared to CM-diabetic animals [0.05], and in both groups compared to controls [0.01]. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the diabetic group increased non significantly, but in CM-treated diabetic rats, these levels decreased more significantly. Finally, in CM-treated control and the CM-diabetic animals, mild decrease in LDL and increase in HDL, demonstrateds a suitable HDL/LDL ratio in CM-treated control [24%] and CM-diabetic rats [248%] as compared to controls. Oral chronic administration of CM diminished the weight loss of animals with STZ inducted diabetes [STZ-groups] more significantly. Also, a marked hypoglycemic effect was seen in CM-treated rats. Feeding animals with CM leads to appropriate changes in blood lipid profiles i.e. high ratio of HDL/LDL