effect of ethyl acetate extract of ferula asafoetida oleo-gum resin on the glucose level and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: the potential antidiabetic effects of medicinal plants are investigated since long ago by researchers in medicine. ferula asafoetida, as a medicinal herb, is traditionally used for the treatment of asthma, epilepsy, stomach pain, bloating, and diabetes. objectives: the current study aimed at investigating the effect of ethyl acetate extract of f. asafoetida on the glucose level and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. methods: the f. asafoetida extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to diabetic rats once daily for a 28-day period. the diabetic control group received the extract solvent as a vehicle by the same manner. serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (ldl), and high-density lipoprotein (hdl) were measured on the days 0, 17, and 31 of the intervention. in addition, animals’ weight changes were monitored during the experiment. results: the f. asafoetida extract significantly reduced serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and ldl levels in diabetic rats, compared to the controls. moreover, the weight-loss observed in diabetic animals receiving the extract was insignificant. the extract had no effect on the serum hdl level. conclusions: ferula asafoetida influenced serum glucose decrease and improved lipid profile in diabetic animals. however, further research should be conducted on the mechanisms of actions of f. asafoetida extract.