Investigation of the effect of barberry (berberis crataegina DC.) on rats with alloxan induced diabetes

Introduction and Aim: Berberine in Berberis species is known to have a regulatory effect on glucose metabolism. The aim of this study is Berberis crataegina DC. the aim of this study is to examine the effects of the extract obtained from the roots of the plant with alloxan on diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: 36 Albino Wistar male rats were used in our study. Rats were divided into 6 groups, 6 in each group. Groups; 1st healthy control group, 2nd the diabetes control group, 3th healthy and Berberis crataegina DC. 600 mg/kg of the water extract was applied to the group, 4th, 5th, and 6th groups with diabetes and at different doses (150 mg/kg to the 4th group, 300 mg/kg to the 5th group, 600 mg/kg to the 6th group) Berberis crataegina DC. water extract was determined as the applied group. Except for the 1st and 2nd groups, water extract was given to the other groups by intragastric gavage for 19 days. On the 5th, 10th and 19th days, blood glucose measurements were made from the tail vein of the rats. Finally, the rats have sacrificed, kidney and liver tissues were taken and examined biochemically and histopathologically. Results: As a result of the biochemical analyzes, a statistically significant (p<0.005) decrease was observed in the ALP, AST, ALT, HbA1c, serum insulin, and blood glucose levels of the diabetic treatment groups. It has been determined that the plant extract has an antihyperglycemic effect depending on the increasing dose. It was observed that statistically (p<0.05) curative effects were observed in kidney and liver tissues, especially in high-dose groups. Conclusion: Berberis crataegina DC. was determined that the root water extract had a positive effect on the complications caused by diabetes. We believe that this plant can be a source for newly synthesized anti-diabetics if supported by advanced studies. Keywords: Alloxan, Berberine, Berberis crataegina DC., Diabetes mellitus