Protective Effect of Galega officinalis Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Kidney Damage and Biochemical Factor in Diabetic Rats

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is impairing secretion of insulin or resistance to insulin. Herbal medicine plays an important role in the management of DM. We aimed to test antidiabetic effects of Galega officinalis on diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were calcified into a diabetic control group (DC), DHEG group (50 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of G. officinalis), DG group (5 mg/kg glibenclamide). After 20 days, rats’ blood samples, kidney, liver, and pancreas were kept in -70°C to test blood levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, some oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes. Results: The fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in the normal, DHEG, and DG groups were significantly lower than the DC group (P < 0.05); The levels of insulin in the DC, DHEG, and DG groups were significantly lower than the normal group (P < 0.05); The serum level of urea and creatinine was significantly increased in DC group and significantly decreased in other group (P < 0.05). Diabetes causes degenerative damages in rats kidney and treatment with G. officinalis extract protected kidney tissue against diabetes-induced damages. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that G. officinalis could be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes through improving tissue sensitivity to insulin and preventing tissue damages.