ABSTRACT
AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Matricaria pubescens. BACKGROUND: Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz belongs to Asteraceae family and it is commonly used traditionally for handling diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant activity of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz and its effect on lipid and lipoprotein profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: The effect of repeated (7 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extracts of aerial part of Matricaria pubescens (MPAE) at a dose of 40 mg/kg on lipid and lipoprotein profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, a preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents as well as the antioxidant activity using two methods (FRAP and ABTS) were carried out. RESULTS: MPAE demonstrated a potent antidyslipidemic effect in diabetic rats by reducing serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and revealed an important antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study proved that Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Shultz. has a favorable effect on diabetic dyslipidemia.
