Title:Oakmoss Exhibits Antihyperglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced
Diabetic Rats
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Author(s): Ayoub Amssayef, Ismail Bouadid and Mohamed Eddouks*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biology, Team of Ethnophar, Faculty of Science and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of
Meknes, BP 509, Boutalamine, 52000. Errachidia, Morocco
Keywords:
Diabetic rats, hyperglycemia, streptozotocin, hypertriglyceridemia, glycogen, oakmoss.
Abstract:
Aims: The study aimed to assess the antidiabetic effect of oakmoss.
Background: Lichens species are dual organisms consisting of a mycobiont (Fungi) and a photoautotrophic
partner (Algae). They are widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment for diabetes.
Objective: This study was designed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity as well as the antihyperlipidemic
capacity of oakmoss (Evernia prunastri (L.)) in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-
induced diabetic rats.
Methods: This study has evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of oakmoss at a dose of 60 mg/kg
on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological
examination of the liver, determination of glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscles (EDL and
soleus), antioxidant activity, and phytochemical investigation were also performed.
Results: Both single and repeated oral doses of oakmoss (60 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood
glucose, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore,
repeated oral administration of oakmoss for 7 days ameliorated the liver function by increasing
its glycogen content and improving its histological architecture in treated diabetic rats. In addition,
the aqueous extract of oakmoss exhibited antioxidant activity and showed richness in certain
phytochemicals, especially in phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Conclusion: Oakmoss, a lichen species, exhibits a potential effect on improving hyperglycemia and
hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic rats.
