Hypoglycemic effect of Satureja montanum L. hydroethanolic extract on diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders which is associated with several complications in different organs. Nowadays, medicinal herbs are being widely used to treat diseases. This study was conducted to study the hypoglycemic effect of Satureja montanum in diabetic male rats. Methods: In this study 42 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 7 equal groups including control, diabetic control, treatments 1, 2, and 3, metformin-treated diabetic, and healthy treated with Satureja montanum. To induce diabetes streptozotocin (STZ) at 60 mg/kg was intraperitoneally (ip) administered. The animals were treated daily with Satureja montanum extract (ip) for one week and their blood glucose was measured daily. Results: Satureja montanum extract could significantly decrease blood glucose. The greatest effect of the extract was seen on day 8 at 800 mg/kg (P < 0.001). Satureja montanum extract caused a significant increase in serum insulin compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that Satureja montanum hydroethanolic extract is able to significantly decrease blood glucose of diabetic rats possibly with a stimulatory effect on beta cells.