Effects of Eryngium Caucasicum Extract on Testosterone, Inflammation and Oxidative Status of Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type-2 Diabetes in Male Rats

Abstract

Objective: Regarding the unfavorable side effects of anti-diabetic drugs including peripheral edema, gastrointestinal discomfort and hypoglycemia, using medicinal plants due to their useful contents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycopeptides, terpenoides, phenolic compounds and other constituents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, is encouraged in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Thus, the hypothesis was that Eryngium Caucasicum extract will decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus model in Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, sixty adult male Wistar rats (150 – 250 g) were randomly allocated into six groups (n=10) including: 1: healthy control, 2: diabetic control, 3: diabetic rats which received Sitagliptine, 4, 5 and 6: diabetic rats which received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of E. Caucasicum extract oral gavages for 30 days. Eventually, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin B12, malondyaldehyde, interleukin-6, high sensitive C - reactive protein and testosterone serum levels were measured. Results: Administration of E. Caucasicum in type 2 diabetes mellitus animal model did not change serum vitamin B12 and animal weight compared with control groups. Total antioxidant capacity and malondyaldehyde improved in all doses of E. Caucasicum; in the highest doses, the total antioxidant capacity was higher than sitagliptine group. Interleukin-6 and high sensitive C-reactive protein both decreased in all doses of E. Caucasicum. Administration of E. Caucasicum extract improved testosterone serum level only in highest dose of E. Caucasicum extract. Since the highest dose showed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; dose-responses of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are suggested. Conclusions: In conclusion, we showed that administration of E. Caucasicum in T2DM animal model has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in future studies other dose-escalating intervention must be performed. Also toxicity in diabetes must be elucidated in future studies.