Effect of Flaxseed Extract on the Liver Histological Structure in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
- Author:
Imad M. Al-Ani
;
Ahmed N. Abired
;
Emad N. Abdel Wahab
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, glibenclamide, flaxseed, liver, rats, streptozotocin
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2017;16(1):91-98
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a serious warning to mankind health all over the world. The
management goal of diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close as possible to healthy individuals.
Medications used to treat diabetes are usually associated with complications and may cause different side
effects. Many traditional anti-diabetic plants have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Flaxseed has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the
hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods:
Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg
i.p.). The rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group NC, normal control rats; Group NF, normal
rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); Group DC, diabetic control rats; Group DG, diabetic rats
treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); Group DF, diabetic rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg);
for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant increase in relative liver weight, blood glucose levels in DC
group comparing to NC group (p<0.05). The disturbance of these parameters was ameliorated in DF and DG
groups. Histological observation revealed congestion of central veins, degeneration of hepatocytes, and
reduced glycogen granules in DC group. These pathological changes were ameliorated in the flaxseed
extract and glibenclamide treated rats. Conclusion: Flaxseed extract may represent a candidate alternative
treatment to control diabetes mellitus and its related hepatopathy.
