Effects of Trifolium alexandrinum extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male rats

The effects of ( water, hexane and ethanolic) extracts prepared from the flower head of Trifolium alexandrinum ( Leguminosae) were examined in the treatment of diabetes induced experimentally by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. A single dose of STZ ( 50 mg/kg) produced a hyperglycemia, decrease in insulin level and elevation in glycosylated hemoglobin of RBCs as well as elevated serum total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Also, a decreased serum high-density lipoprotein and in hepatic glycogen and glutathione GSH contents, concurrent with an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde in the liver was observed. Daily intake of ( water, hexane and ethanolic) extracts of T. alexandrinum in drinking water for 4 weeks immediately after diabetes induction caused significant decreases in glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels and increase in insulin level. It also greatly improved the levels of serum lipid parameters and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in addition to increase the hepatic GSH content significantly. Conclusion: Extracts of T. alexandrinum improved hyperglycemia and other biochemical alterations noticed in STZ-diabetic rats. These effects may be due to the presence of a high content of flavonoids which acts synergistically as antioxidants. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.