title: Effects of a triplex mixture of Peganum harmala, Rhus coriaria, and Urtica dioica aqueous extracts on metabolic and histological parameters in diabetic rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several therapeutic effects such as antioxidant and blood glucose-lowering activities have been reported for Peganum harmala L (Zygophyllaceae) (PH) seeds, Rhus coriaria L (Anacardiaceae) (RC) fruits, and Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) (UD) leaves.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigates the effects of a triplex mixture (1:1:1) of these medicinal plants on metabolic and histological parameters in diabetic rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Aqueous extracts of PH, RC and UD were administered as either monotherapy or in combination at a final dose of 200 mg/kg to alloxan-induced diabetic rats by daily gavage. Biochemical parameters including blood glucose, liver function-related enzymes, lipid profile, and creatinine were estimated by spectrophotometric methods. Tissues from the liver and kidney stained with hematoxylin/eosin were histologically examined. The results obtained from the exposure groups were compared to either healthy or diabetic control groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the diabetic control rats, all aqueous extracts (ED50 = 11.5 ± 2.57 mg/ml) led to significant decreases in the levels of ALP (1.39-2.23-fold, p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (1.79-3.26-fold, p < 0.05), and blood glucose (1.27-4.16-fold, p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of TG was decreased only by treatment with UD and triplex mixture (1.25- and 1.20-fold, respectively, p < 0.05). Among the studied parameters, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDL-C, TG, and creatinine recovered to healthy control levels after 4 weeks of treatment with the extract mixture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that PH, RC, and UD extracts, especially their combination, had significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and liver and renal damage recovering effects.
authors.affiliation: Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University , Tabriz , Iran .
authors.forename: Fereydoon
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abedi Gaballu
authors.forename: Yousef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Abedi Gaballu
authors.forename: Omid
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Moazenzade Khyavy
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mardomi
authors.forename: Kazem
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghahremanzadeh
authors.forename: Behrooz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shokouhi
authors.forename: Himan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mamandy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D032443:Peganum; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D029045:Rhus; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D026982:Urtica dioica
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Antidiabetic drugs; blood glucose; creatinine; herbal remedies; lipid profile; liver function