Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf aqueous extract (ALE) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. ALE (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), atherogenic index, lipid peroxidation (LPO), red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma antioxidant capacity were measured. The oral administration of ALE for 21 days significantly reduced TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and hyperglycemia in treated diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. ALE also markedly ameliorated the level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased plasma antioxidant capacity of treated diabetic group. The results clearly indicate the beneficial reducing effects of ALE on serum TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, glucose levels and plasma MDA level in STZ-treated rats.

Key words: Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, diabetes, Cynara scolymus, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation.