Effect of Root Kudzu on Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes, characterized by high blood glucose levels, is a serious chronic disease and antioxidants play an important role in the pathophysiology, complications, and management of the disease. Kudzu root, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history of use for the treatment of headaches, cough, edema and extracts are a rich source of isoflavones and antioxidant property. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the kudzu root on biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=32) including: Control, diabetic, diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg kudzu root extract, and diabetic rats treated with 50mg/kg kudzu root extract. Diabetes was induced by STZ intraperitoneally administration (50 mg/kg) and kudzu root extract was gavaged at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg for five weeks. Blood biochemical factors and insulin serum levels were also assessed .

Results: The results show that in STZ induced diabetic rats, the serum levels of FBS, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) increased whiles the levels of HDL and Insulin were decreased. Moreover in diabetic kudzu treatment groups, the serum levels of of FBS, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride(TG) decreased (P≤0.001) whiles the serum level of HDL and Insulin were increased.

Conclusion: In addition the antioxidant effects, Kudzu root extract produced a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect on STZ-induced diabetic rats.