Metabolic Effects of Methanol Extract of Harmal (Peganum Harmal ) in Rats Fed With Normal Diet

Aims: The research aimed to investigate the effects of harmal (Peganum harmal ) seed extract on the weight and some metabolic parameters. Methods & Materials: Male rats, in groups of 7, received different doses of the methanol extract of harmal seed (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d body weight) or placebo via a gastric tube for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the body, liver, spleen, and heart, and also the levels of some serum parameters, including glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones, as well as the composition of the carcass were investigated. Findings: The mean weight gain, food intake, and the serum level of triiodothyronine (T3) significantly declined in the rats receiving the extract at 400 mg/kg. In contrast, the serum level of cholesterol in the group increased (P<0.001). The serum levels of glucose were significantly lower in all experimental groups compared to the control. Furthermore, the groups treated with the methanol extract dose-dependently showed higher serum lactate dehydrogenase levels compared to the control (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed regarding other studied parameters compared with the control group. Conclusion: This research suggests positive effects for harmal extract on some metabolic parameters and weight. At least one of the involved mechanisms seems to be declined appetite and hence decreased feed intake.