Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a multifarious group of symptoms characterized by hyperglycemia, abnormal lipid and protein metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of daily oral administration (for 30 days) of Persian shallot extract on some biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats (weighting 210 to 230 g) were divided into 4 groups of 8; normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with Persian shallot extract in a 100 mg/kg concentration (100 g of dry powder of Persian shallot solved in 900 ml of 0.9% saline) and diabetic rats treated with Persian shallot extract in a 200 mg/kg concentration (200 g of dry powder of Persian shallot solved in 800 ml of 0.9% saline). The plasma glucose level, HbA1c, uric acid and creatinine were reduced while insulin was slightly increased in Persian shallot extract treated groups significantly. Treatment with Persian shallot extract reduced plasma LDL-C and triglyceride but increased HDL-C (these changes were not significant). The plasma total cholesterol, urea, protein and albumin were significantly increased in Persian shallot extract treated groups. Therefore, according to the finding obtained in present study, it could possibly be concluded that the consumption of Persian shallot extract produces a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats. In addition, Persian shallot extract is almost capable of improving lipid profile but it can not ignore its negative effect on total cholesterol and urea levels, as unwanted side-effect.

Key word: Persian shallot extract, diabetes, glucose, streptozotocin.