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Biochemical study on the hypoglycemic effects of onion and garlic in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

F M El-Demerdash1, M I Yousef, N I Abou El-Naga

  • 1Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, 163, Horreya Avenue, P.O. Box 832, Alexandria 21526, Egypt.

Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Onion and garlic juices effectively reversed biochemical changes and enzyme alterations in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These natural remedies demonstrate antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties, potentially mitigating diabetes-related organ damage.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia.
  • Alloxan-induced diabetes in rats is a common model for studying diabetes and its complications.
  • Oxidative stress and altered enzyme activities are key features of diabetic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of onion (Allium cepa Linn) and garlic (Allium sativum Linn) juices on biochemical parameters, enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
  • To assess the potential of these natural juices in managing diabetes-related physiological disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • Diabetes was induced in rats using a single dose of alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight).
  • Diabetic rats were treated daily for four weeks with 1 ml/100 g body weight of either onion or garlic juice.
  • Biochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, bilirubin), plasma and tissue enzyme activities (AST, ALT, LDH, AlP, AcP), and lipid peroxidation markers (TBARS, GST) were measured.

Main Results:

  • Alloxan-induced diabetes significantly elevated plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, and bilirubin levels.
  • Activities of AST, ALT, LDH, AlP, and AcP were altered in plasma, liver, testes, and brain of diabetic rats.
  • Increased lipid peroxidation markers (TBARS, GST) were observed in various tissues of diabetic rats.
  • Treatment with onion and garlic juices normalized these biochemical and enzymatic alterations.

Conclusions:

  • Onion and garlic juices possess significant antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties.
  • These natural juices can restore biochemical balance and enzyme activities in diabetic conditions.
  • Garlic and onion juices may serve as a complementary approach to alleviate liver and renal damage associated with diabetes.

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