The Effect of the aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves on the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important metabolic disorders worldwide. Usage of medicinal plants for decreasing blood glucose level is clinically important. In this study the effect of oral administration of aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves on blood glucose level in diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty male rats from Sprague Dawley race weighting 200-250 grams received IP 65 mg/kg streptozotocin and were randomly divided into 4 groups (one control and three experimental). Experimental groups received aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves in doses of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.4 mg/dl in a gavaged way. Control group received only distillated water. Blood glucose was measured after administration of aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves at intervals of 0,3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Results: At intervals of 3,6, 12 hours after administration of aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves with doses of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/dl, blood glucose level decreased significantly (P<0.001), while 24 hours after administration blood glucose level showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) only with dose of 0.4 mg/dl. Discussion: Results showed that the consumption of aromatic water of Ficus carica leaves orally decreased blood glucose level in diabetic rats.