Original Articles
Amel Benbott, Camilia Mosbah,
Abstract
The Peganum harmala plant is commonly used as traditional herbal medicine in many countries including Algeria. The aim of this study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic properties of aqueous extract of Peganum harmala roots (AEPHR). The oral acute toxicity was evaluated. Rats were made diabetic by injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight, i.p) and diabetes was confirmed 72 h after induction. The AREPH was administered orally at the doses of 200 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Screening for major classes of phytochemical was done using standard chemical tests. Oral administration of AEPHR did not exhibit toxicity at a dose of 200 mg/kg. AEPHR treated diabetic rats significantly (P <0.001) reduced elevated blood glucose. The body weight were significantly (P <0.001) increased in diabetic rats treated with AEPHR compared to diabetic control rats. Phytochemical screening showed a wealth in compounds: Tannins, saponins, alkaloids, amino acids. However flavonoids, triterpenes and sterols appeared in the form traces. It is concluded that aqueous extract of P. harmala roots are a good natural source of anti-diabetic in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.