Hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is dramatically increasing worldwide. Prospective studies have reported that high levels of hepatic enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are associated with later development of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium (Persian shallot) on the level of liver enzymes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS: Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups of eight. The diabetic groups received 100 and 300 mg/kg Persian shallot extract, the diabetic control and non-diabetic control groups received 0.9% saline for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, fasting blood samples were collected, and enzymes levels were measured.

RESULTS: Our findings showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Persian shallot can significantly decrease serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) in treated groups in a dose-dependent fashion (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant micronutrients in the extract of Persian shallot may rehabilitate liver damages caused by free radicals in diabetic rats.