Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Methods: The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats. Results: Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after the fifteenth day of treatment. During this test, both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment showed an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2.17µg /ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.). Background: Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) belongs to Brassicaceae family is an endemic plant from Morocco. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of its aqueous extract on blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. Method: Single dose (6 hours) and daily oral administration for seven days of the Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (A.P.A.E) of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) (M. maroccana) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels both in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, body weight, oral glucose tolerance test, liver histopathological examination, phytochemical screening, and in vitro antioxidant activity of A.P.A.E were performed in this study. Results: The results showed that M. maroccana A.P.A.E exerts potent hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Also, it was able to restore body weight in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, the aqueous extract has been shown to regenerate hepatic tissues in diabetic rats. In addition, A.P.A.E revealed the presence of several phytochemical constituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and terpenoids), and possessed an antioxidant activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings showed that A.P.A.E of M. maroccana (A.P.A.E MM) possesses a significant antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity.

aims: The goal of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. background: Traditionally, the aerial parts of Rhamnus alaternus L. have been widely used, in Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, for the cure of diabetes. objective: This work aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract (RAAE) in normal and diabetic rats. Then the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity and the potential toxicity of RAAE were also assessed. method: The effects of the acute (6 h) and sub-chronic (7 days) oral administration of RAAE (20 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Besides, a preliminary phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic, flavonoid and tannins contents as well as the antioxidant activity, using the DPPH method, were evaluated. Additionally, the toxicity of the aqueous extract (5 mg/kg) was also studied and the LD50 value was determined. result: RAAE (20 mg/kg) over 7 days of oral administration decreased significantly the blood glucose levels both in normal and diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, this extract was also able to improve oral glucose tolerance. In addition, RAAE possessed a significant antioxidant activity. According to preliminary phytochemical research, RAAE contains several chemical compounds, including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, cyanidins, anthraquinones and sterols. On the other hand, the quantitative phytochemical study of the aqueous extract revealed a considerable amount of total phenolic compounds (497.93±3.38 mg GAE/1 g of RAAE), flavonoids (100.42 ± 0.32 mg RE/ g of RAAE), and tannins (14.32 ± 0.37 mg CE/1g of RAAE). conclusion: We conclude that RAAE exerts a significant antihyperglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats at a low dose used. Indeed, more research is still required to support the use of this plant in the Moroccan population''s diabetes care. other: Not applicable

Darâa-Tafilalet is considered as one of the charming Moroccan areas concerning the knowledge connected to the traditional use of plants for a therapeutic purpose. This work aims to collect, analyze and evaluate the ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal plants used in the management of diverse forms of cancer in the Darâa-Tafilalet region. The total number of informants interviewed in this study was 1026 (944 were ordinary local inhabitants and 82 were herbalists). Information was obtained by means of structured and semi-structured interviews with local people. Then, data obtained from interviewees were analyzed by calculating some relative cultural importance (RCI) indices (UV, FUV, ROP and FL). Principal component analysis (PCA) was also involved in this study for comparing some characteristics of species. 101 plants used in folk medicine and belonging to 47 families were identified in this study. The highest UV was attributed to Suaeda vermiculata (0.06897); while, the optimal FUV has been given to Ranunculaceae (0.05956). Concerning the FL values, Nigella sativa, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Calotropis procera, Foeniculum vulgare and Olea europaea were classified in first with a value cited 100% all for general cancer; whereas Nigella sativa had the highest ROP value (86%). The present enquiry highlighted interesting botanical and cultural findings related to the anticancer ethnomedical knowledge adapted by the local population of Darâa-Tafilalet. However, several experimental and fieldwork studies are needed to give more validity and reliability to such investigation.

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the antihyperglycemic effect of Brassica rapa. Background: Brassica rapa (turnip) is used as an antidiabetic plant. Objective: This work aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Brassica rapa seeds (AEBRS) on glycemia in vivo. Methods: The effect of AEBRS (60 mg/kg) on glycemia and lipid profiles was evaluated. Besides, preliminary phytochemical analysis and the in vitro antioxidant effect were evaluated. Results: AEBRS caused a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (p<0.0001). In contrast, no significant effect was observed on lipid profiles, whereas antioxidant potential of this extract has been shown. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of many important phytochemical families. Conclusion: The present study shows that AEBRS has a potent antihyperglycemic ability in diabetic rats.