Effect of aqueous extracts of some medicinal plants on blood glucose level and lipid profile in diabetic rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extracts of chamomile, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, fenugreek and cinnamon on blood glucose and lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Total phenols (mg/100gm), antioxidant activity (DPPH %) and Phenolic acids of the plants under study were determined. Forty five rats were divided into nine groups (n=5).One of themuntreated rats which was considered normal control (group 1) ,while the rest of  rats were injected (i.p) with alloxan- monohydrate (100 mg/kg bw) dissolved in normal salineinduced diabetic.Diabetic rats divided into eight group ,one of them wasdiabetic control positive untreated received 1ml of distilled water(group 2), followed by diabeticreferencereceived glipisidetablets (group 3). The rest of diabetic rats groupstreated with the  plants extracts orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg  body weight dissolved in 1ml distilled water. Blood samples were collected from the eyes of the rats by capillary tube at 2, 4, and 6 h. after extract administration and were analyzed for glucose content and lipidprofile. The results showed that, rosemary had the highest level of total phenols which record (6.27 g/100g), followed by lavender  which record (4.76 g /100g), followed by cinnamonwhich record (4.26 g/100g) followed by marjoram  which record(4.25g /100g).On the other hand, lavender and cinnamon have higher contents of Chlorogenic,P.OH.Benzoic , Caffeic, Benzoic and Ellagic acids. The results also showed that blood glucose level decreased significantly in all the treated groups at 2, 4 and 6h. after treatment as compared to  the diabetic control group. The highest decrease was noticed in the group treated with rosemary extract followed by cinnamon group. Concerning blood lipid profile, the diabetic group treated with extracts of lavender leaves exhibited the lowest level in plasma total cholesterol followed by aqueous extracts of rosemary at 2,4 and 6h.after treatment. Also, the group treated with rosemary, lavender and marjoram showed significant decrease in triglyceride level while the extracts of lavender, cinnamon and rosemary caused a significant increase in HDL-c and a significant decrease in LDL-c level in comparing with diabetic control.