Investigation on antidiabetic and antioksidative effect of camomile extract (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In the present study, we investigated possible antihyperglycemic and antioxidativeactivities of extract obtained from aerial part of the camomile (Matricariachamomilla L.) (MCE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (70 mg/kg) diabetic rats.Groups; control (no received any substance), STZ + saline, STZ + 20 mg/kgMCE, STZ + 50 mg/kg MCE, STZ + 100 mg/kg MCE were assigned. Diabeticrats were treated for 14 days by gavage. At the beginning and end of the study,postprandial blood glucose levels and weights of rats were measured.Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels weredetermined. Obtained data showed that STZ resulted in oxidative stres andaffected antioxidant activity. Treatment with different doses of MCE significantlyreduced postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, and augmentedantioxidant system. When blood samples controlled, it has been shown that MCEdecreased MDA values and increased GSH levels.iIn conclusion, MCE exhibited significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidativeeffect in STZ-induced diabetes and augmented the antioxidant system in apositive manner.2006, 86 pagesKey Words: Oksidative stress, Diabetes mellitus, Streptozotocin, Antioxidant,Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).ii