LAMIUM ALBUM OR URTICA DIOICA? WHICH IS MORE EFFECTIVE IN DECREASING SERUM GLUCOSE, LIPID AND HEPATIC ENZYMES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus, the most common endocrine disorder, is defined by hyperglycaemia. Urtica dioica or stinging nettle is known to have antidiabetic effects. Lamium album or non stinging nettle is shown to have some beneficial effects such as antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hydroalchoholic extract of L. album and U. dioica on serum glucose, lipids and hepatic enzymes level in sterptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups; normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with U. dioica (100 mg/kg/daily), diabetic treated with L. album (100 mg/kg/daily) for 28 days. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), alanin trasaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. Results: U. dioica and L. album extracts caused significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum glucose level in diabetic rats. Compared to diabetic control, both extracts significantly decreased serum cholesterol, ALT, AST and ALP (p<0.05). The level of serum TG in diabetic rats treated with U. dioica was significantly lower than that of animals treated with L. album (p<0.05). Conclusion: it seems that administration of U. dioica and L. album extracts in diabetic rats may have similar lowering effects on the level of serum glucose, cholesterol and hepatic enzymes, albeit U. dioica might be more effective in improving serum TG as compared with L. album.