The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing and considered a major cause of mortality in the world. Medicinal plants are a part of complementary and alternative medicine, which have wide use in the treatment of diabetes. Besides, combination therapy as an effective therapeutic strategy is highly recommended for controlling hyperglycemia. The present study aimed to determine the hypoglycemic effect of Afghan Rheum Ribes L. and Urtica Dioica L. extracts either alone or in combination on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by single-dose administration of Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) in rats. Diabetic rats were received intraperitoneal administration of R. Ribes aqueous extract (40 and 60 mg/kg), U. Dioica aqueous-alcoholic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), and their combination for 21 days. The fasting blood glucose and body weight of rats were determined on 0, 7 th , 14 th , and 21 st days. The results showed that R. Ribes extract (40 and 60 mg/kg), U. Dioica extract (200 mg/kg), and their combination could significantly decrease the blood glucose level on 0, 7 th , 14 th , and 21 st days (P<0.0001). Only 200 mg/kg of U. Dioica had a positive effect on the bodyweight loss of diabetic rats (P<0.01). It can be concluded that Afghan R. Ribes and U. Dioica extracts and their combination have a hypoglycemic effect. However, their combinations do not show any synergic or antagonistic effects.

Afghan medicinal plants are famous for their nutritional and pharmacological activities. Afghan people are using medicinal herbs alone or in combination for treatment of diseases. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of two Afghan medicinal plants, Withania Coagulans L. and Ferula Assa-foetida L. extracts combination on blood glucose level of diabetic rats. Rats became diabetic by a single dose administration of streptozotocin and treated with Withania Coagulans and Ferula Assa-foetida extracts either alone or in combination for 21 days. The initial and final body weight and fasting blood glucose of rats were determined. Results showed that treatment with both Withania Coagulans and Ferula Assa-foetida extracts over 21 days period leads to a considerable reduction in blood glucose level of diabetic rats. In addition, their combinations in different proportions also showed a notable anti-hyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats (P < 0.0001). The Withania Coagulans and Ferula Assa-foetida combinations formula effect was even better than each individual plants. As a result, combinations of Withania Coagulans and Ferula Assa-foetida extracts have a synergic effect on blood glucose level of diabetic rats.