Antidiabetic effect of Thlaspi arvense L . in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background: Thlaspi arvense L. (pennycress) is mainly used for the treatment of kidney diseases in traditional medicine. It is included in certain multicomponent herbal medicines prescribed for diabetes. In the present study, the antidiabetic effect of Thlaspi arvense was examined in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes model. Materials and Methods: Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 160 mg/kg was injected via tail vein to induce type 1 diabetes. Thlaspi arvense and metformin was given at doses of 140 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively for 21 days. Fasting blood levels of glucose levels ans serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and amylase were determined. Moreover, thrombin time, activated partial thrombin time and fibrinogen levels were measured. Results: Thlaspi arvense seed decoction significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, serum amylase and alkaline phosphatase after 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment (p<0.05). Morever, after 7 days of treatment, Thlaspi arvense seed decoction significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (p<0.01) and slightly reduced bilirubin levels (34.7 %, p˃0.05). Thrombin time was prolonged by 10.1-10.9% (p˃0.05) and activated partial thrombin time were significantly prolonged after 14 and 21 days of treatment (p<0.05). Thlaspi arvense seed decoction significantly reduced fibrinogen levels 14 (p<0.05) and 21 (p<0.01) days after treatment. Conclusion: Thlaspi arvense seeds exhibits antiglycemic effects in type 1 diabetes model, suggesting that it possesses antidiabetic potential. Moreover, it might protect against liver and pancreatic injury and have anticoagulant effects in alloxan-induced diabetes type 1 model.