LIVER-PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ALLIUM HIRTIFOLIUM BOISS. IN RATS WITH ALLOXAN-INDUCED DI-ABETES MELLITUS

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders accompanied with many metabolic syndromes. Use of herbal medicines has always been an option to treat a great number of diseases such as diabetes and its complications. In this study the liver-protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium on liver enzymes level in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus was investigated.    METHODS: Thirty five male rats were randomly divided into five groups of seven; group ۱: nondiabetic control, group ۲: diabetic control, group ۳: diabetic treated with shallot extract (۰.۱ g/kg), group ۴: diabetic rats treated with shallot extract (۱ g/kg), and group ۵: diabetic treated with glibenclamide (۰.۶ mg/kg). Using intraperitoneal (IP) injection of alloxan monohydrate, diabetes mellitus was induced in rats. Diabetic rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection for ۴ weeks. At the end of the experimental period fasting blood samples were collected.    RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of shallot can significantly decrease serum contents of liver enzymes (ALP, AST, and ALT) in treated groups. In most cases, the effectiveness of the extract on reduction of these enzymes is more than glibenclamide.                 CONCLUSION: Antioxidant compounds in the extract may recover liver damages caused by free radicals in diabetic rats.