The Effect of Methanolic Extract of Otostegia persica on Serum Glucose Level and Renal Function Indicators in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Regarding the antioxidant property of Otostegia persica extract and the role of antioxidants in Diabetes mellitus treatment, in this study the effect of extract on serum glucose level and renal function indicators was determined in diabetic male rats.
Materials and Methods: Diabetes mellitus (type I) was inducted in male rats using intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg). To determine blood glucose, urea, and creatinine serum levels fasting blood samples were collected twice (before STZ injection and 5 days later). The rats with their serum glucose level exceeding 250 mg/dl were considered diabetic and divided into 10 groups separately received Otostegia persica alcoholic extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day doses), glibenclamide with 600 µg/kg dose and 0.5 ml distilled water for 3 and 6 days using gavage. After 3 and 6 days, blood samples were collected again and glucose, urea, and creatinine serum levels were assessed using spectrophotometry technique by respective kits.
Results: Treating diabetic rats by Otostegia persica extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day doses) for 6 days results in a significant decrease of glucose and creatinine, yet an increase of serum urea with 200 mg/kg dose. Also, administration of the extract for 3 days (300 mg/kg) reduced glucose, and (in various doses) urea and creatinine serum levels.
Conclusion: Otostegia persica extract has hypoglycemic effect and administering it in diabetes mellitus not only had no undesirable renal side effects, but also improved renal function to some extent.