The Antihyperglycaemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Origanium vulgare Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The current study aimed to investigate the antihyperglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare (oregano, OV) leaves in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, pancreatic amylase, liver and kidney weights /body weight ratios, urea, uric acid, creatinine and significant decrease in the levels of plasma insulin, liver and muscle glycogen and body weight. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of OV leaves (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in blood-glucose levels, glycosylated haemoglobin, pancreatic amylase in STZ diabetic rats (P < 0.05) in comparison with standard drug Glibenclamide (GB) (0.9 mg/kg body weight). Treatment with the aqueous extracts of OV leaves decreased liver weights/body weight ratios in diabetic rats, while kidney weight/body weight ratios, urea, uric acid, creatinine levels were partially improved. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of OV leaves (20 mg/kg) improved the reduction in serum insulin, liver and muscle glycogen contents and body weight in STZ diabetic rats. The data in the present study may support the use of O. vulgare plants as traditional remedies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.