Urtica dioica Effect on Malonyl-CoA Decarboxylase

Background: the malonyl-coa decarboxylase (mcd, ec.4.1.1.9) enzyme regulates malonyl-coa levels. the effect of aerial parts extracts of urtica dioica (ud) on mcd is poorly understood. objectives: the present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ud aerial parts extracts on mcd level. materials and methods: in this experimental study, two groups of rats were used: normal and hyperglycemic group. then ud aerial parts extracts (5 mg /500 μl) administrated to the hyperglycemic group of rats and finally, the mcd and insulin levels were measured in both groups. results: interestingly, we observed that the ud aerial parts extracts powder caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in insulin level during the experiment, from the base level of 0.36 ± 0.07 μg/l to the peak value of 0.52 ± 0.15 μg/l. also, it caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in mcd level, from the base level of 29.68 ± 1.29 pg/ml to the bottom value of 22.12 ± 2.41 pg/ml. conclusions: the results of the present study indicate that ud aerial part extracts would decrease mcd level in hyperglycemic rats.