The hypoglycemic effects of an ethanol extract of Peganum harmala in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Peganum harmala is a plant that is traditionally used as an analgesic,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antioxidant,anti-helmintic,and antimutagenic agent. moreover,it is used to treat a variety of human ailments,including depression. this study was conducted to investigate the antidiabetic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of this herb. a hydro alcoholic extract from seeds of this herb was prepared and administered at three doses of 30,60,and 120 mg/kg to three groups of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. two additional groups were used as negative (normal saline plus solvent) and positive control (metformin). blood glucose levels in animals from all groups were measured at 2,4,and 6 hours after intraperitoneal injection of the extract to rats. blood glucose levels decreased in the diabetic rats in comparison with normal rats (p < 0.05). our finding showed that p. harmala seed extract has good antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. further studies are needed to isolate active compounds and to investigate their activity. © 2014,iranian association of pharmaceutical scientists. all rights reserved.