Potent Antihyperglycemic Effects of an Endemic Plant from Morocco (Matthiola maroccana Coss.) in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.).

Background: Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) belongs to Brassicaceae family is an endemic plant from Morocco.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of its aqueous extract on blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats.

Method: Single dose (6 hours) and daily oral administration for seven days of the Aerial Part Aqueous Extract (A.P.A.E) of Matthiola maroccana (Coss.) (M. maroccana) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight on blood glucose levels both in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, body weight, oral glucose tolerance test, liver histopathological examination, phytochemical screening, and in vitro antioxidant activity of A.P.A.E were performed in this study.

Results: The results showed that M. maroccana A.P.A.E exerts potent hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Also, it was able to restore body weight in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, the aqueous extract has been shown to regenerate hepatic tissues in diabetic rats. In addition, A.P.A.E revealed the presence of several phytochemical constituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, sterols and terpenoids), and possessed an antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings showed that A.P.A.E of M. maroccana (A.P.A.E MM) possesses a significant antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity.

Keywords: Matthiola maroccana (Coss.); antihyperglycemic activity; antioxidant.; aqueous extract; diabetes; histopathology; streptozotocin.