Effect of garlic Extract and Citrus aurantifolia (lime) juice and on Blood Glucose level and Activities of aminotransferase Enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism characterized by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Garlic (Allium sativum, Liliaceae) has been reported to have many medicinal properties including antidiabetic and anti lipidemic activities. Lime (citrus aurantifolia) contains flavonoids such as Eriocitrin and Hespridin with antioxidant effects. We studied the effects of fresh juice of lime and garlic extract on glucose level and Activities of aminotransferase enzymes in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Streptozotocin was administered as a single dose (60mg/kg BW) to induce diabetes. STZ induced diabetic rats were treated with garlic extract at three different doses (500mg/100gBW, 250mg/100gBW and 125mg/100gBW) for 21 days. Other groups of diabetics were treated with fresh lime juice with different concentration (100, 50 and 25%) by gavage during the study period. As well as the other diabetic groups were treated with combination of garlic extract and lime juice. Further, the results are comparable with metformin, an oral standard drug. Diabetic control rats, blood glucose level was significantly (p<0.05) increased as compared to the control glucose level. The maximum hypoglycemic response between the groups treated with garlic, was observed with highest doses of garlic extract (500mg/100gBW), while in diabetic rats treated with lime juice, 50% concentration produced a better effect than other concentration. Blood glucose level also significantly decreased in diabetic groups were treated with combination of garlic extract and lime juice, so this combination has additive effect on reducing blood glucose level. Also, garlic and lime juice could not inhibit liver damage. These results suggest that lime and garlic exhibit antihyperglycemic effects for a brief period in experimental diabetic rats.