ABSTRACT
Searching for effective, low cost and less side effect containing
herbal hypoglycemic agents is important therefore, the present study was
performed to evaluate the effect of olive and stevia leaves, flaxseed of
alcoholic extracts on diabetic rats. A total of forty eight male healthy rats,
weighing (201±1.5g) were classified in to 3 main groups of extraction of
(olive leaves, stevia leaves and flaxseed) each group was classified into 2
subgroup (levels of each type of extract at 0.2 and 0.5 %); in addition to
the control negative (-ve) and the control positive (+ve) groups. The rats
were divided into eight groups: Group (1), the control negative (-ve) was
fed on the basal diet. Group (2), the control positive (+ve) (diabetic rats)
was fed on the basal diet. Groups (3 and 4) are diabetic rats fed on the
basal diet containing olive leaves extract at 0.2 and 0.5 % respectively.
Groups (5 and 6) are diabetic rats groups fed on the basal diet containing
stevia leaves extract at 0.2 and 0.5 % respectively. Groups (7 and 8), are
diabetic rats groups were fed on the basal diet containing flaxseed extract
0.2 and 0.5 % respectively.
At the end of the experimental period (6 weeks), rats were
sacrificed and blood samples were collected to obtain serum. The results
indicated that, STZ treated rats showed significant increase in glucose
levels compared to normal rats. Supplementation with different levels of
olive leaves, stevia leaves and flaxseed in the diet caused significant
decrease (P<0.05) in the concentration of glucose level compared to the
positive control one. It was also observed that the concentration of serum
lipid profile, liver functions and kidney functions were significantly
improved for all tested groups, compared to the positive control group. In
conclusions, diet supplemented olive leaves, stevia leaves and flaxseed
caused an improvement of the biochemical results from diabetes,
therefore olive leaves, stevia leaves and flaxseed could be used as a
suitable supplementation therapy for diabetic patients.