The Effect of Diplotaenia Turcica Root Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background: Diplotaenia turcica has been used traditionally to diabetes treatment. In this study, the effects of D. turcica root extract (DT) on diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin (STZ) were investigated. Materials and methods: In this study, 78 male rats were used, rats were divided into 9 groups randomly. In diabetic groups, STZ was given a single dose of 45 mg/kg by intraperitoneally. DT (50,100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were given by orally. Blood and pancreas tissue samples were taken for biochemical and pathological tests. Results: It was found that glucose levels decreased, and insulin levels increased in the treatment groups compared with the diabetes group. In addition, only in 200 mg/kg DT dose group was found to decrease HbA1c levels. Pancreatic tissue analysis showed that MDA levels decreased and GSH levels and CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH-R activities increased in diabetic rats treated with DT. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the pancreas showed significant improvements in the treatment with DT. Conclusion: These results clearly show the antioxidant property of DT. The findings of this study showed that increased doses of DT may have a therapeutic effect on STZ-induced pancreatic damage.