Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess hypoglycemic effect of aqueous fruits extract ofDiospyros lotus L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and the possible morphologic changes in the liver, kidney and heart. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) dose of 70 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were post-treated with different doses of D. lotus L (500, 750, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) by oral administration (gavage) for 16 consecutive days after induction of diabetes. In the special days (before treatment and 1, 8 and 16 days after induction of diabetes) , according to a pr-planned schedule, animal's weight and their Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), were determined in different groups under treatments. Also at the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and their livers, kidneys and hearts were removed for histopathological examination. Administration of different doses of D. lotus L (500, 750, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) to diabetic animals caused significant decrease in glucose level, since the maximum reduction was observed in the animals group with 1000 mg/kg after 16 days post-treatment. (P < 0.001) Aqueous fruits extract of D. lotus L. at dose of 1000 and 1500 recovered significantly the body weight towards the control level. Histological comparison has shown that D. lotus L. in parenchymal and portal inflammation and lymphocytes had also been replaced by few eosinophils in the liver. These results suggest that the product of D. lotus L. may provide a new therapeutic avenue against diabetes and diabetes-related complications-a global burden.

Key words: Antidiabetic, Diospyros lotus L., streptozotocin, morphologic changes.