An herbal formulation containing Zingiber officinale rhizomes and Allium sativum cloves can increase oral glucose tolerance in mice

Abstract

Zingiber officinale rhizomes and Allium sativum cloves are two plant parts widely consumed in Bangladesh as spices, and which are readily available and affordable. The two plants also have ethnomedicinal uses, one of which uses being to treat diabetes. Since the plant parts are consumed in culinary dishes (which involves boiling or steaming), the objective of this study was to determine whether methanol extract of steamed Z. officinale rhizomes (MEZO) and steamed A. sativum cloves (MEAS) can both individually as well as more so in combination improve glucose tolerance in oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) in mice. Administration of either MEZO or MEAS to mice at a dose of 400 mg per kg body weight led to reductions in blood glucose levels in glucose-challenged mice by 37.0 and 34.9%, respectively. Administration of a combination of (MEZO + MEAS) at individual doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg each led to dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose levels, respectively, by 22.5, 30.4, and 42.2%. Thus, the two extracts demonstrated a synergistic effect when administered in combination. A standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, when administered at a dose of 10mg per kg lowered blood glucose level by 43.9%. Thus, at the highest dose tested, the combination of the two extracts lowered blood glucose levels in a comparable manner to that of glibenclamide. Since the extracts were prepared from steamed plant parts, the results suggest that partaking of the two spices in culinary dishes can be effective in controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antihyperglycemic and Antinociceptive Effects of a Combination of Leucas Aspera Aerial Parts and Zingiber Officinale Rhizomes

“…We have previously reported on antinociceptive activity of Leucas whole plants, [34] and antihyperglycemic activity of Leucas leaf and stems. [35] [36] Antiinflammatory and analgesic properties have been observed with ethanol extract of rhizomes of Z. officinale. [37] As such, it was the objective of the present study to determine whether the combination of two commonly available and affordable plant parts in Bangladesh can lower blood glucose levels in glucosechallenged mice (oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT) and also alleviate pain (in acetic acid induced writhing test).…”

Protective effect of Enhydra fluctuans DC. aerial against insulitis in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…We is the blood glucose concentration in the glibenclamide or fraction treatment, and Wc is the control of blood glucose concentration [10,39].…”

Effect of Enhydra fluctuans on Kidney Function in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

“…Where, W e is the blood glucose levels in the glibenclamide or fraction administration and W c is the level of blood glucose in control administration [23].…”