The effect of different levels from Ashwagandha roots powder (Withania somnifera) on rats suffering from diabetes

The present study aims to investigate the effect of different levels from Ashwagandha roots powder (ARP) on rats suffering from diabetes. Thirty male albino rats weighing (150±10g) were divided into two main groups. The first main group (n=6) was a negative control group fed on basal diet. The second main group (n=24) was injected subcutaneously with alloxan (150mg/kg BW) to induce diabetes; which classified into four subgroups as follow; subgroup 1 was a positive control group fed on a basal diet, subgroups (2,3 and 4) were fed on a basal diet containing 2.5, 5 and 7.5% ARP. The obtained results revealed that the chemical composition of ARP contained 6.34, 3.92, 0.72, 5.38, 31.48 and 52.16% for moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber and total carbohydrates respectively, while caloric value recorded 230.80 kcal/100g. Injected rats with alloxan exhibited hyperglycemia, elevation in lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol), liver enzymes, and kidney functions and reduction in antioxidant enzymes activity. Treatment with different levels of ARP revealed gradual improvement in all parameters, when compared to the untreated diabetic group. The most pronounced improvement was in the treated group that received the highest level of ARP 7.5%. The histological examination of pancreas confirmed a gradual improvement in all treated groups. Sensory evaluation results showed that all samples obtained a higher than 75% in overall acceptability. Conclusion, the present study indicates that ARP has potent hypoglycemic activity and can be used as a supplement in the diet of diabetic patients.