Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Camel Milk in Rat Models of Diabetes / Insulin Resistance

The anti-diabetic activity of camel milk in type 1 diabetics is attributed to the significant amounts of insulin / insulin like activity present in it. However, evidence for the anti-diabetic activity of camel milk is scanty and equivocal. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of camel milk using drug (Streptozotocin) and diet (high sucrose) induced rat models for diabetes / insulin resistance and also assessed the heat stability / susceptibility of the effect. Diabetes / insulin resistance were induced in male, weanling WNIN rats using STZ or high sucrose diet. Camel / cow milk (raw or pasteurized or boiled) were administered to rats in the form of freeze-dried powder mixed with diet, at a dose of one gram / rat / day, for two months. Oral glucose tolerance, plasma insulin response and plasma lipid profile were determined after 30 and 60 days of feeding. At the dosage level tested, Camel milk or cow milk (raw, pasteurized or boiled) had no anti-hyperglycemic effect in the streptozotocin induced diabetes in WNIN rats. However in high sucrose diet induced rat model of insulin resistance, they had comparable anti-hyperglycemic effect and the effect was heat stable in both the milks. In conclusion, the anti-hyperglycemic effect of camel milk is not different from that of cow milk in both the models of hyperglycemia (i.e., drug or diet induced) and the effect in diet induced model is heat stable.