Effect of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Background Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a significant role in curing diseases and maintaining health through its antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate antidiabetic effect of lemon balm aqueous extract (LBAE) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods The extract was administered to STZ-induced diabetic rats in low and high doses (200 and 400\u2009mg/kg body weight/day, respectively) for 4 weeks. Serum insulin, glucose, lipid profiles, alkaline phosphatase, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine and urea levels were determined, whereas total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, Na+/K+ ATPase activity (ATPase), tumor necrosis factor-α, and cluster of differentiation 4 levels were evaluated in liver and kidney tissue homogenates. Results and conclusion Oral administration of LBAE significantly decreased glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cluster of differentiation 4 levels. However, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total antioxidant capacity levels significantly increased with respect to diabetic control group. These findings revealed that LBAE possesses antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects against STZ-induced disorders in diabetic rats. Hence, it can be used in the management of diabetes mellitus.