Effect of Afghan Withania coagulans L. and Ferula assa-foetida L. extracts combination on Blood Glucose Level of Diabetic rats

Abstract

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.