Effect of Alcohol Extracts of Juniperus Phoenicea and Crataegus azarolus on Diabetes Induced by Streptozotocin in Experimental Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) includes a diverse range of disorders characterized by insulin hyposecretion and/or insensitivity. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of alcoholic extracts of Juniperus Phoenicea and Crataegus azarolus leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ, intraperitoneal, 65 mg kg-1). Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats weighing (200±10 g) were randomized into 6 equal groups. Group (1) and group (2) were kept as a negative and positive controls (- and +) respectively. Groups (3) and (4) were orally administered the extract of Juniperus Phoenicea in doses of 200 and 400 mg kg-1 B.wt day-1 respectively, while groups (5) and (6) were orally administered the extract of Crataegus azarolus in doses of 200 and 400 mg kg-1 B.wt day-1 respectively, for four weeks. At the end of experiment, a biological evaluation was determined. Blood glucose, serum insulin, heart enzymes, liver function, lipid profile, kidney function, and TNF- α were estimated in serum. In pancreas tissue, GSH, SOD and MDA were evaluated, as well chemical composition of herbs. The results showed that the alcoholic extracts of Juniperus Phoenicea and Crataegus azarolus leaves significantly increased the biological evaluation, normalized serum levels of liver function, kidney function, enhanced lipid profile, decreased blood glucose, heart enzymes and MDA while increased insulin levels, GSH and SOD compared to those of untreated diabetic rats. The study recommends that administration of Juniperus Phoenicea and Crataegus azarolus leaves extracts can reduce blood glucose levels and the incidence of different complications resulting from hyperglycemia.