THE EFFECT OF CHAMOMILE EXTRACT (MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA L.) AND THE CONCOMITANT USE OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON SERUM LIPIDS PROFILE IN TYPE 1 DIABETIC MALE RATS

Background & Aims: Exercise is effective in lowering serum glucose and lipids in diabetic patients. The Matricaria chamomilla L. flower’s extract (MFE) reduces serum lipids. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the concomitant effects of aerobic exercise and MFE in reducing serum lipid levels in male diabetic rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats (200±20gr) were divided into 4 groups (n=6) randomly: control (diabetic without treatment and training), MFE (diabetic treated with MFE), aerobic training (diabetic and training), and MFE + aerobic training (diabetic treated with MFE + aerobic training). The aerobic training was scheduled as jogging on a treadmill for 12 weeks (5 days per week, 60 min/ day, 26 meters/min.). The diabetic rats received streptozotocin (65mg/kg,ip). Results: The serum cholesterol level increased significantly compared with MFE, aerobic training, and MFE + aerobic training groups (P<0.001). The triglyceride serum level of MFE, aerobic training and concomitant MFE and aerobic training groups decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01). LDL in MFE, aerobic training, and concomitant MFE + aerobic training groups decreased significantly compared with control group (P<0.001). HDL serum level in MFE, aerobic training, and concomitant MFE + aerobic training groups increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.01).  Conclusion: The concomitant use of MFE + aerobic training is more effective in decreasing harmful serum lipids in diabetic male rats.