Abstract

Objective and Background: In hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the effect of Thuja occidentalis methanolic residue extract on blood glucose levels and some biochemical parameters were investigated.

Methods: Significantly decreased blood glucose level by 22.85% and 27.66%, in hyperglycemic rats, respectively after 3 h, were seen in a single oral administration of the extract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Blood glucose level was decreased by 50% in alloxan-induced diabetic rats within three weeks of daily treatment of Thuja occidentalis methanolic residue extract (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o). Alloxan-induced diabetic rats showed significant hypercholesterolemia in comparison with the control in alloxan induced rats.

Results: In both normal and diabetic rats, there was also a significant decrease of elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypertriglyceridemia was also shown to be prevented by treatment with plant extract (200 and 400mg/kg p.o) (p<0. 05). As compared with the control animals, diabetic control rats did not show any change in a level of creatinine and urea.

Conclusion: Thuja occidentalis treatment may improve glucose homeostasis in alloxaninduced diabetes and alleviate kidney and liver function. Thuja occidentalis twigs could be a potential source of the new oral antidiabetic drug.

Keywords: Thuja occidentalis, diabetes, alloxan, hyperglycemic activity, methanolic extracts, triglycerides.