Abstract
Background. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that causes biochemical and physiological changes in the body. In this study, the effects of carvacrol on blood biochemical factors related to diabetes in diabetic adult rats induced by streptozocin were investigated.
Methods. In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: a) control group; b) diabetic control group that received normal saline as a solvent; c) diabetic rats treated with 75 mg/kg carvacrol; d) healthy rats that received 75 mg/kg carvacrol. The experimental groups were induced with diabetes by injecting a single dose of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) (Sigma) dissolved in 5 ml citrate buffer (pH=4.5) intraperitoneally. Then, fasting blood sugar, serum insulin level, serum level of fat profile, and testosterone hormones LH and FSH were measured.
Results. Fasting blood sugar and serum levels of TG and cholesterol increased significantly in the diabetic control group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, fasting blood sugar and serum TG, LH, FSH, and cholesterol levels in the groups treated with carvacrol showed a significant decrease compared with the diabetic control group (P<0.05). In all diabetic groups, compared to the control group, the amount of HDL, testosterone, and serum insulin decreased significantly (P<0.05). Also, in the groups treated with carvacrol compared to the diabetic control group, the levels of HDL, insulin, and serum testosterone increased. The weight of rats in the diabetic control group decreased significantly; however, in the carvacrol treatment groups, the weight of the rats increased compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion. Carvacrol can be effective on fasting blood sugar, insulin serum level, serum level of fat, and hormone profile and prevent biochemical damage caused by diabetes in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin.
Practical Implications. Investigating the level of lipid profile and hormones in diabetic rats treated with carvacrol.