Abstract:

To investigate the improved hypoglycemic effects of lowdosage sodiumorthovanadate (SOV), chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and chickpea embryos on experimental diabetes. MethodsStreptozotocin (STZ)induced diabetic rats were used in this experiment. After oral administration of chickpea, chickpea embryos and SOV separately and in combination for 4 weeks, the blood glucose and lipid profile were determined. ResultsA single intravenous injection of STZ (45?mg/kg) caused a 4fold increase in the blood glucose level and 57.63% decrease in the serum insulin level. Levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in serum markedly increased during diabetes. The hepatic and renal functions were heavily impaired during diabetes. Administration of SOV, chickpea and chickpea embryos separately or in combination inhibited development of hyperglycemia and alterations in the lipid profile in plasma. A low dose of SOV (0.2?mg/ml) combined with chickpea embryo a was most effective by decreasing the blood glucose by 72.24%, decreasing the improving glucose tolerance, and ameliorating the impaired hepatic and renal functions in diabetic rats. ConclusionSOV and chickpea are potential biological antidiabetic agents. Chickpea or chickpea embryos combined with lowdosage SOV (0.2?mg/ml) may enhance bioavailability by reducing SOV toxicity and improve the altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during experimental diabetes.

Key words: Sodiumorthovanadate； Chickpea； Diabetes mellitus; Rat, Wistar