Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl extracts in animal models: characterization by high performance liquid chromatography analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM The present study was designed to explore antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potentials of Fraxinus angustifolia leaf (FAL) and bark (FAB) extracts in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, pretreated with the extracts (25 and 50 mg/kg), were monitored for fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Hepatoprotective potential was examined after injection of an excessive dose of paracetamol (10 g/60 kg) by analysis of biochemical parameters (transaminases, bilirubin), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and histological sections. high performance liquid chromatography analysis was also performed for partial characterization. RESULTS A considerable hypoglycemic effect was noticed 2 h after the STZ-induction, with a higher efficiency (P < 0.05) for FAL (68%) as compared with FAB (57%). A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in MDA was observed for paracetamol-fed mice pretreated with FAL (50 mg/kg), FAB (50 mg/kg), or both (25 mg/kg each) extracts, and the MDA levels for the three conditions were 0.290 ± 0.034, 0.340 ± 0.038, and 0.25 ± 0.058 nmoles/mg of liver tissue, respectively). Hence, simultaneous treatment provided a better protection. Histological observations confirmed the higher hepatoprotective potential of FAL over FAB extracts. CONCLUSION The obtained results indicate the possibility of pharmacological exploitation of F. angustifolia extracts in the treatment of diabetes and associated liver diseases.