Alloxan-induced diabetic thermal hyperalgesia, prophylaxis and phytotherapeutic effects of Rheum ribes L. in mouse model

Abstract

Rheum ribes L., known as Syrian rhubarb, is used in traditional Lebanese folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The present study aims to investigate the activities of R. ribes aqueous extract for glucose homeostasis, in vivo antioxidant and diabetic neuropathy protection in mice. The acute and the subacute effects of various doses of R. ribes on blood glucose and in vivo antioxidant activity utilizing serum catalase level (CAT) were studied in alloxan-diabetic mice. The high doses significantly lowered glucose level and increased serum CAT in alloxan-diabetic mice. Pretreatment with the extract prior to alloxination, protected the mice from acquiring diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Treatment with the extract for 8 weeks alleviated hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. Our findings provide clinicians with promising drugs intended for the management of the symptoms of diabetic complications. The protective activity of R. ribes against acquiring diabetes and diabetic neuropathy might pave the way for preparing a prophylactic treatment for diabetes risk groups.

Designing monographs for Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia L.: Two Lebanese species with significant medicinal potentials

“…Alloxination method was done as previously described. 8,27,28 Briefly, alloxan was dissolved in sterile cold saline (0.9 %). It was given to mice at a dose of 180 mg/kg every 48-hr.…”

“…It is a sulfonylurea that is well known to produce its hypoglycemic effect by increasing the pancreatic release of insulin. 27 Glibenclamide (GB), dissolved in DMSO was given at a dose of 5 mg/kg, IP. REO, dissolved in the vehicle, was injected at the doses of 80, 100 and 110 mg/kg IP to the mice of group (III, IV, and V), respectively.…”

“…27,28 Mice were grouped into normal control and diabetic animals. Group (I) (normal control mice, n = 7) received only a vehicle IP for 7 days and served as control.…”

“…It is estimated that more than 300 million adults will be diabetic the next decade. 27 Global expenditure on the treatment of diabetes and its accompanying complications such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension, 8 could reach US $ trillion annually. 60 It was reported that free radicals generated by hyperglyce-…”

“…For both mia, mediate oxidative stress which contributes in the progression of diabetes as well as its complications. 27 Moreover, pancreatic β-cells have low antioxidant capacity since their antioxidant enzyme levels are low relative to other tissues. 8 Therefore, the interest in antioxidants use for diabetes has increased.…”