Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects 6.6% of the population, approximately 3 million people, in Iran for many years, the usage of therapeutic herbal medicine has been common in Iran. In the present study, the effects of an olive leaf liquid extract on blood levels of glucose and lipids have been studied in a rat model. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar strain rats (200-250g) were divided randomly into three groups (experimental, diabetic and non diabetic controls), and housed in single cages. Diabetes was induced with injection of Stereptozocine (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and the control group was given an injection of normal saline. The experimental group received aqueous extract of olive leave (750 mg/kg) intra gastric for four weeks. Finally, blood samples were taken and measured for glucose and lipids levels. Results: Administration of olive leaf extract caused a significant decrease in blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides (P<0.01), whereas an increase in HDL-C levels was seen (P<0.05), with no significant changes in LDL-C values in diabetic rats. Conclusion: It appears that olives plant extract can have significant effects on various blood glucose and lipids in diabetic rats, although further work is needed to elucidate the extent and mechanism of these changes.