Hypoglycemic and Biochemical Effects of Matricaria Chamomilla Leave Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and biochemical effects of the water extract of leaves of Matricaria chamomilla in Streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg./kg, i.p.) -induced diabetic rats. The water extract was administered to non-diabetic and STZ-induced diabetic albino rats. Parameters including blood glucose, insulin, kidney function , liver function and lipid profile were tested using standard kits and methods after administration of the extract. Histological changes in the liver and kidney of the animal were also examined. The results obtained revealed that the 200 mg kg-1 body weight Matricaria chamomilla once daily for 21 days reduced the elevated Fasted Blood Glucose (FBG) by 62.2 % (p < 0.001). The values of urea, creatinine, Uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, TC, TG and LDL-c were also reduced after Matricaria chamomilla treatment in diabetic rats. The histological changes in liver showed microvesicular steatosis after induction of diabetes. While, Diabetic kidney sections showed coagulative necrosis of the tubules in the corticomedullary junction. The results demonstrate that the water extract of Matricaria chamomilla possesses a strong hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats.