Comparative Effects of Aqueous and Organic Solvent Extracts of Garlic on Glucose Level and Lipid Profile of Diabetic Rats

Life time management of diabetes by synthetic drugs has been found cost effective with severe side effects as well. Herbal remedies are gaining popularity. Black cumin and garlic are found effective against hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Present study was designed to evaluate the relative antidiabetic potential of garlic aqueous (AGE) and petroleum ether (EGE) extracts compared to black cumin (Nigella saliva oil; NSO) and insulin. Alloxan induced diabetic rats were post treated with plant extracts (150 mg/kg) and serum samples were collected from overnight fasted diabetic rats on day 15 to observe thepercent changes in blood glucose levels and lipid profile. Garlic extracts have shown the significant (p<0.001) hypoglycemic activity with no considerable effect on mean body weight of rats (ns, p>0.05) as compared to diabetic rats. The AGE treatment has significantly reduced the blood glucose level (56%), however, the EGE treatment was found effective in normalizing the lipid contents of diabetic rats. The black cumin oil treatment has resulted in significant (p<0.001) increase (48%) in body weight of diabetic rats, but found less active in regulating other biochemical parameters. However, significant role of garlic extracts; especially the ether extract (EGE) was noted in normalizing the biochemical attributes. On the basis of findings, it is recommended that the garlic ether extract should be applied in herb-drug combinations commonly used as antidiabetic.