Title:Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus Growing in Syria in Alloxan Diabetic Rats
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Azhar Malek, M. Waleed M. Sadaka*, Sameh Hamo and Hassan M. Al-Mahbashi
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Pharmacy Science, University of Kalmoon, Dier Atiyah,Syrian Arab Republic
Keywords:
Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus, anti-diabetic, insulin, DPP-4, hypocholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia.
Abstract:
Background: The genus of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is found in many parts of
the world. Traditionally, Rosemary has been used in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic
virtues and its ability to treat some diseases. Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus grows in the Al
Kalamoon region of Syria but only a limited amount of scientific research on the medicinal uses of
this plant has been done. This study focused on the medicinally active substances found in ethanolic
extract of the leaves and flowers of this plant and their antidiabetic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic
rats. First, an acute toxicity study was carried out to detect the optimal dose of the Rosmarinus
officinalis var. prostratus extract. Then, the effect of the optimal dose of 300mg/kg was measured
over 36 days.
Methods: During the study, diabetic rats were treated with different doses of extract (100, 200,
300, 400, 500, and 600 mg/kg). The percentage of Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was measured immediately
after administration of the extract and at 2h, 4h and 8h after administration. The dose of
300mg/kg was then used in the second part of the study, which involved four groups of rats: a
healthy group, a diabetic group without treatment (the control group), a diabetic group treated with
300mg/kg of the extract, and a diabetic group treated by metformin (50mg/kg). The treatment continued
for 36 days.
Results: The results showed that the extract was rich with flavonoids, phenols and tannins. Levels
of FBG and DPP-4 were significantly lower in the extract-treated group in comparison with the
control group; however, the level of insulin was significantly elevated in the extract-treated group
compared to the control group. This effect may be caused by two factors. First, the antioxidant effects
of flavonoids that protect pancreatic beta cells from damage caused by alloxan, supports regeneration
of pancreatic beta cells, and therefore insulin production. Second, the inhibition of DPP-
4 activity, which in turn leads to increased secretion of insulin.
Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis var. prostratus has an antidiabetic effect.
