Hypolipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effect of Linum usitatissimum and Moringa oleifera Seeds in Diabetic Induced Damage in Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and a fast-growing global problem. Studies have shown that Linum usitatissimum has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that decrease blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and Moringa oleifera possesses hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects. Hence, this study investigated both extracts’ hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects on diabetes.Objectives: To study the improvement in glucose level, lipid levels (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein) and hepatic parameters after giving L. usitatissimum and M. oleifera seed extract combination in diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: A total of 36 healthy male Wistar rats were taken and divided into six groups (groups I–VI). Diabetes was induced by administering a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in overnight fasted rats. The mixture of aqueous extract of L. usitatissimum and M. oleifera seeds was prepared and given to rats of groups IV–VI daily for 4 weeks. After 28 days, the blood sample was collected from all the rats, and biochemical parameters were determined.Results: All the values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Significant decreases in lipid levels, urea, creatinine and liver function tests were seen at the end of 1 month in all the three groups receiving the extract.Conclusion: From our study, it was found that the administration of L. usitatissimum and M. oleifera seeds extract possesses excellent hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties, making them effective in preventing long-term complications of diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Linum usitatissimum; Moringa oleifera; hypolipidemic; hepatoprotective; total cholesterol; high-density lipo- protein; low-density lipoprotein; alanine transaminase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase