Effects of safflower oil on FBS and lipid profile in alloxan induced diabetic rats and its mechanism

Background & Aim: Diabetes mellitus often has been referred to as a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormal of high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Nowadays, no-drug treatments (medicinal plants) are novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of diabetes. Experimental: This study aimed at assessing the effect of Carthamus tinctorius L oil on the blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats. Eighteen male rats were divided into 3 groups as follows: control, diabetes treated with glibenclamide and diabetes treated with 200 mg/kg b.wt safflower oil. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of single dose of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg body weight). The oil of (Carthamus tinctorius L.) at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt was administered every other day to the diabetic rats for a period of 30 days. Results: The results show that the safflower oil exhibited significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect in hyperglycemic rats. Industrial and practical recommendations: Phenolic compounds and free fatty acids in safflower oil play an important role in regulating animal insulin secretion response and glucose homeostasis.