Antihyperglycemic and Antidyslipidemic Effects of Artemisia arborescens Aqueous Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Artemisia arborescens. Background: Artemisia arborescens is an aromatic, medicinal, and endemic plant mostly found in the Mediterranean region. This plant is widely used as alternative medicine. Objective: The study was designed to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Artemisia arborescens aqueous extract (AEAA) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Methods: The effect of AEAA (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) on plasma glucose levels and plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. The plasma glucose levels were determined after a single (6 hours) and subchronic oral administration (7 days), and plasma lipid profiles were evaluated after both acute and subchronic oral administration. Additionally, the glycogen content in the liver, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus muscles was measured using a standard method. Moreover, the aqueous extract was tested for its 1.1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity. Results: In diabetic rats, AEAA oral administration (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels after 7 days of oral administration (P<0.0001). Moreover, a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels was reported on the last day of treatment by AEAA (80 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed after 7 days of AEAA oral administration in diabetic rats (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant increase in HDL-c concentration was noted after one week of AEAA (80 mg/kg) oral administration (P<0.001). In addition, AEAA oral administration (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the glycogen content in the liver and extensor digitorum longus (P<0.05). On the other hand, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of various compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Conclusion: In summary, the study demonstrates that Artemisia arborescens oral administration exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats and revealed a significant amelioration in lipid profile and glycogen content.