Modulatory Effects of Diosgenin on Attenuating the Key Enzymes Activities of Carbohydrate Metabolism and Glycogen Content in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: Fenugreek and its active compound diosgenin are ancient herbal medicines recommended by the World Health Organization. In this study, the effect of diosgenin on changes in carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and glycogen content in muscle and kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats were evaluated. Methods: Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. The diosgenin at different doses (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats for 45 days. Results: Streptozotocin intoxication led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in blood glucose and a decrease in insulin levels. The carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and glycogen content were also altered. The daily oral administration of diosgenin at different doses (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted a significant (p < 0.05) decline in blood glucose level and a significant increase in plasma insulin level. The altered activities of carbohydrate metabolic key enzymes in muscle and kidneys of diabetic rats were significantly (p < 0.05) reverted to near normal level by the administration of diosgenin. The obtained results were compared with glibenclamide, a standard oral hypoglycemia drug. Conclusions: The modulatory effects of diosgenin on attenuating the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes afford a promise for persistent use for the treatment of diabetes in the future, even though clinical studies to evaluate this possibility may be warranted. (C) 2014 Canadian Diabetes Association