Effect of Cichorium intybus L. seed extract on renal parameters in experimentally induced early and late diabetes type 2 in rats

Elucidating hepatoprotective potential of Cichorium intybus through multimodal assessment and molecular docking analysis with hepatic protective enzymes

This study employed a comprehensive approach to validate the hepatoprotective potential of phytoconstituents from Cichorium intybus leaves. In vitro, in vivo and in silico techniques were used to confirm the protective effects on liver enzymes. In vitro antioxidant assessment revealed the highest potential in the hydroethanolic leaf extract compared to aqueous and methanolic extracts. The study further investigated the ameliorative efficacy of the hydro-ethanolic extract (HECL) in male Wistar rats exposed to lead (50 mg/kg b wt.) and nickel (4.0 mg/kg b wt.) individually and in combination for 90 days. HECL at 250 mg/kg b wt. mitigated hepatic injury, oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, ultrastructural and histopathological alterations induced by lead and nickel. Molecular docking explored the interaction of 28 phytoconstituents from C. intybus with hepatoprotective protein targets. Cyanidin and rutin exhibited the highest affinity for liver corrective enzymes among the screened phytoconstituents. These findings underscore the liver corrective potential of C. intybus leaf phytoconstituents, shedding light on their molecular interactions with hepatoprotective targets. This research contributes valuable insights into the therapeutic applications of C. intybus in liver protection.

Pharmacokinetics and antioxidant activity of dihydrocaffeic acid grafted chitosan nanomicelles loaded with chicoric acid in broilers

Chicoric acid (CA) is a natural nutrient found in plants, showcasing diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its valuable properties, CA faces limitations in bioavailability and susceptibility to oxidative breakdown during utilization. Previous research introduced synthesized dihydrocaffeic acid grafted chitosan self-assembled nanomicelles (DA-g-CS), demonstrating its potential to enhance CA absorption. This study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and antioxidant activity of both CA and DA-g-CS loaded CA (DA-g-CS/CA) in broilers. An IPEC-J2 cell model was established and evaluated to delve deeper into the transport mechanism and antioxidant potential. The in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis in broilers highlighted a substantial difference: the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of DA-g-CS/CA exceeded CA by 2.6-fold, yielding a notable increased relative bioavailability to 214%. This evidence underscores the significant enhancement in CA's oral absorption, facilitated by DA-g-CS. The collective evaluation outcomes affirm the successful development of the cell model, indicating its suitability for drug transporter experiments. The findings from the intestinal transit analysis revealed that both CA and DA-g-CS/CA underwent passive entry into IPEC-J2 cells. Notably, the cellular uptake rate of DA-g-CS loaded with CA was significantly amplified, reaching 2.1 times higher than that of CA alone. Intracellular transport mechanisms involved microtubules, lysosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, with an additional pathway involving the endoplasmic reticulum observed specifically for DA-g-CS/CA, distinguishing it from CA. Moreover, the results from both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant assessments highlight the potent antioxidant activity of DA-g-CS/CA, showcasing its efficacy in preventing and treating cellular damage induced by oxidative stress. In summary, these findings underscore the significant enhancement of CA's efficacy facilitated by DA-g-CS, establishing a robust theoretical foundation for the prospective application of CA within livestock and poultry farming.

Raspberry Ketone Protects Kidney Damage in Diabetic Nephropathy by Improving Kidney Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play essential roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The respiratory oxygen consumption and oxidative stress status of kidney mitochondria are closely associated with the development of DN. In this study, raspberry ketone (RK), the predominant bioactive component extracted from raspberry, was applied to treat the established DN mice model. This study investigated whether RK protects the kidneys of high-fat and high-sugar/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the DN mice models were established by injecting high-fat and high-sugar/STZ (130 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). The animals were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline, ig), DN group (normal saline, ig), DN + RK group (200 mg/kg RK + normal saline, ig), DN + RK group (400 mg/kg RK + normal saline, ig), and DN + Metformin (Met) (200 mg/kg Met + normal saline, ig). Regular monitoring of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels was observed in mice. After 10 weeks of drug treatment, the kidneys of mice in each group were analyzed using ultrasound, and the mice were euthanized humanely. Kidney weight (KW)/body weight (BW) and kidney injury, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress indicators were determined. The histopathological changes in renal tissue were observed after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results recommended that RK has a renoprotective function on DN mice by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting oxidative stress.

The Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin Rodent Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Renal Pathophysiology and Redox Imbalance Features

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. While there has been a great advance in our understanding of the pathogenesis of DN, no effective managements of this chronic kidney disease are currently available. Therefore, continuing to elucidate the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of DN remains a constant need. In this regard, animal models of diabetes are indispensable tools. This review article highlights a widely used rodent model of non-obese type 2 diabetes induced by nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). The mechanism underlying diabetes induction by combining the two chemicals involves blunting the toxic effect of STZ by NA so that only a percentage of β cells are destroyed and the remaining viable β cells can still respond to glucose stimulation. This NA-STZ animal model, as a platform for the testing of numerous antidiabetic and renoprotective materials, is also discussed. In comparison with other type 2 diabetic animal models, such as high-fat-diet/STZ models and genetically engineered rodent models, the NA-STZ model is non-obese and is less time-consuming and less expensive to create. Given that this unique model mimics certain pathological features of human DN, this model should continue to find its applications in the field of diabetes research.

Chicoric Acid Attenuated Renal Tubular Injury in HFD-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease Mice through the Promotion of Mitophagy via the Nrf2/PINK/Parkin Pathway

As the main factor in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the excessive apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and its underlying mechanism of action are worth further investigation. Chicoric acid (CA), a major active constituent of the Uyghur folk medicine chicory, was recorded to possess a renal protective effect. The precise effect of CA on renal tubular injury in obesity-related CKD remains unknown. In the current study, CA was proven to ameliorate metabolic disorders including overweight, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, the reverse effect of CA on renal histological changes and functional damage was confirmed. In vitro, the alleviation of lipid accumulation and cell apoptosis was observed in palmitic acid (PA)-exposed HK2 cells. Treatment with CA reduced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in the renal tubule of HFD-fed mice and PA-treated HK2 cells. Finally, CA was observed to activate the Nrf2 pathway; increase PINK and Parkin expression; and regulate LC3, SQSTM1, Mfn2, and FIS1 expression; therefore, it would improve mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy to alleviate mitochondrial damage in RTECs of obesity-related CKD. These results may provide fresh insights into the promotion of mitophagy in the prevention and alleviation of obesity-related CKD.

Inhibitory effects of Ficus carica and Olea europaea on pro-inflammatory cytokines: A review

Objectives

Ficus carica (fig) and Olea europaea (olive) are valuable nutritional plants that are widely used in diet and traditional medicine. Different parts of the plants such as fruit and leaves contain beneficial compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, among which anti-inflammatory activities are remarkable. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anti-inflammatory effects of F. carica and O. europaea with emphasis on their impact on pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Materials and Methods

To prepare the present review, the sites utilized included Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar and studied relevant articles from 2000 until 2021.

Results

As a result, we observed that most of the compounds in fig and olive including polyphenols, flavonoids, etc., exert their anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting or decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, some natural antioxidants are common between these two plants.

Conclusion

We suggest that consuming figs and olives simultaneously or alone can be useful in the prevention or treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Bisacurone attenuates diabetic nephropathy by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes nephropathy (DN) is a serious diabetic problem that may progress to renal failure. The root of Curcuma longa L., often known as turmeric, provides various health benefits. Bisacurone is a bioactive terpenoid found in small amounts in turmeric that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study focuses on the potential protective effects of bisacurone against DN via reducing renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetes was created in rats by feeding them a high-fat/high-sugar diet for 8 weeks, followed by a low dose of streptozotocin and Bisacurone (50 and 100 μg/kg bisacurone) given for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

In diabetic rats, bisacurone reduced hyperglycemia, protected against body weight (BW) loss, lowered renal markers, reduced lipid profile alterations and avoided histological abnormalities. Bisacurone treatment reduced oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while enhancing antioxidant defenses through superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Furthermore, bisacurone treatment activated the renal Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway but attenuated the high levels of NFκB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Cox2, and iNOS. Bisacurone also reduced Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c but increased Bcl-2 in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, bisacurone reduces DN by reducing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, while also increasing Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Establish the Action Mechanism of Qingrekasen Granule for Treating Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome resulting from abnormal glomerular permeability, mainly manifesting as edema and proteinuria. Qingrekasen granule (QRKSG), a Chinese Uyghur folk medicine, is a single-flavor preparation made from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), widely used in treating dysuria and edema. Chicory, the main component in QRKSG, effectively treats edema and protects kidneys. However, the active components in QRKSG and its underlying mechanism for treating NS remain unclear. This study explored the specific mechanism and composition of QRKSG on an NS rat model using integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology. First, metabolomics explored the relevant metabolic pathways impacted by QRKSG in the treatment of NS. Secondly, network pharmacology further explored the possible metabolite targets. Afterward, a comprehensive network was constructed using the results from the network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis. Finally, the interactions between the active components and targets were predicted by molecular docking, and the differential expression levels of the target protein were verified by Western blotting. The metabolomics results showed “D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism” and “Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism” as the main targeted metabolic pathways for treating NS in rats. AKT1, BCL2L1, CASP3, and MTOR were the core QRKSG targets in the treatment of NS. Molecular docking revealed that these core targets have a strong affinity for flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-mTOR, and CASP3 in the QRKSG group significantly decreased, while BCL2L1 increased compared to the model group. These findings established the underlying mechanism of QRKSG, such as promoting autophagy and anti-apoptosis through the expression of AKT1, CASP3, BCL2L1, and mTOR to protect podocytes and maintain renal tubular function.

A comprehensive mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus) supplementation in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Cichorium intybus is a rich source of terpenoids and phenolic compounds, one of the effective methods in managing and reducing the complications of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence obtained from animal and human studies on the effects of chicory on metabolic indicators (such as inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar and dyslipidaemia) of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic search was performed in ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Science Direct databases and on articles published until August 2021. All of the animal studies and clinical trials included in this systematic review that assessed the effect of chicory on metabolic risk markers in diabetes were published in English language journals.

RESULTS

Finally, amongst 686 articles, only 23 articles met the needed criteria for further analysis. Out of 23 articles, 3 studies on humans and 20 studies on animals have been carried out. Fifteen of the 19 studies that evaluated the effect of chicory on the glycaemic index showed that Cichorium intybus improved blood glucose index (it had no effect in two human studies and three animal studies). Ten of the 13 studies evaluating the effect of Cichorium intybus on lipid profiles showed that it improved dyslipidaemia. Also, all 12 studies showed that chicory significantly reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

According to the available evidence, Cichorium intybus might improve the glycaemic status, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further studies are recommended for a comprehensive conclusion about the exact mechanism of chicory in diabetic patients.

Inventory of Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally to Manage Kidney Diseases in North-Eastern Morocco: Ethnobotanical Fieldwork and Pharmacological Evidence

Kidney disease is one of the most common health problems and kidney failure can be fatal. It is one of the health disorders associated with extreme pain and discomfort in patients. In developing countries, such as Morocco where socioeconomic and sanitary conditions are precarious, medicinal plants are considered the primary source of medication. In the present work an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in a remote area of North-Eastern Morocco and we focused on (1) establishing a record of medicinal plants used traditionally by local people to treat kidney diseases and (2) correlate the obtained ethnomedical use with well-studied pharmacological evidence. From February 2018 to January2020, information was gathered from 488 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using three quantitative indices: The use value (UV), family use value (FUV), and informant consensus factor (ICF). A total of 121 plant species belonging to 57 botanical families were identified to treat kidney diseases. The families most represented were Asteraceae (14 species), followed by Lamiaceae (12 species) and Apiaceae (10 species). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, followed by the whole plant and they were most commonly prepared by decoction and infusion. The highest value of the (UV) index was attributed to Herniaria hirsuta L. (UV = 0.16), and the highest family use value (FUV) was assigned to Caryophyllaceae with (FUV = 0.163). Regarding the informant consensus factor (ICF), this index's highest values were recorded for kidney stones (ICF = 0.72). The use of 45% of the selected plants were validated based on literature review. This study helped document and preserve crucial traditional plant knowledge of 121 plant species used to treat kidney problems that can be used in the search for new biologically active compounds through more upcoming pharmacological studies.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts on diabetes

With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in the environment, the incidence of diabetes has increased rapidly. It has gradually become one of the main diseases threatening the health and life of modern people, bringing a great burden to the society. Although the existing treatment methods can effectively control the symptoms of diabetes and delay its progression, they have not brought satisfactory improvement in the quality of life and treatment of patients. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts combine thousands of years of experience and the scientific basis provided by modern experimental research, which is expected to bring a qualitative leap in the clinical management of diabetes. Therefore, this article systematically reviews studies on the effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its extracts on diabetes and its complications, and aims to bring new ideas and options for the clinical treatment of diabetes.

An Evaluation of Traditional Persian Medicine for the Management of SARS-CoV-2

A new coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged and with it, a global investigation of new antiviral treatments and supportive care for organ failure due to this life-threatening viral infection. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the most ancient medical doctrines mostly known with the manuscripts of Avicenna and Rhazes. In this paper, we first introduce a series of medicinal plants that would potentially be beneficial in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection according to TPM textbooks. Then, we review medicinal plants based on the pharmacological studies obtained from electronic databases and discuss their mechanism of action in SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several medicinal plants in TPM with cardiotonic, kidney tonic, and pulmonary tonic activities, protecting the lung, heart, and kidney, the three main vulnerable organs in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some medicinal plants can prevent "humor infection", a situation described in TPM which has similar features to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pharmacological evaluations are in line with the therapeutic activities of several plants mentioned in TPM, mostly through antiviral, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Amongst the primarily-introduced medicinal plants from TPM, rhubarb, licorice, garlic, saffron, galangal, and clove are the most studied plants and represent candidates for clinical studies. The antiviral compounds isolated from these plants provide novel molecular structures to design new semisynthetic antiviral agents. Future clinical studies in healthy volunteers as well as patients suffering from pulmonary infections are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these plants as complementary and integrative interventions in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In vitro differentiation induction of embryonal carcinoma stem cells into insulin-producing cells by Cichorium intybus L. leaf extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal herb Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes. One of the promising therapeutic options to treat diabetes is replacing the degenerative pancreatic β cells by stem cell-derived IPCs (insulin-producing cells).

AIM OF THE STUDY

By the combination of cell therapy as a modern approach and traditional medicine, the current study was designed to evaluate the effects of chicory leaf extract (LE) on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells (an embryonal carcinoma stem cell line) into IPCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant (voucher no. 4567) were collected and deposited in the herbarium of Shahrekord University. In vitro experiments were designed to compare the effects of various concentrations of LE on the differentiation potential of P19 EC cells.

RESULTS

The differentiated cells showed morphological characteristics of pancreatic β cells. They could also synthesized and secreted insulin when exposed to glucose. Moreover, the cells expressed specific proteins and genes of mature pancreatic β cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, LE as a natural herbal extract was efficiently able to induce the differentiation of P19 EC cells into the clusters similar to pancreatic islets with the molecular, cellular and functional characteristics of mature β cells.

Bioinformatic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal Intervention Effects of Chicory in a Quail Model of Hyperuricemia

Background. Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a kind of a metabolic disease that seriously threatens human health worldwide. Chicory, a natural herbal medicine, has an obvious effect of reducing uric acid. The aim of this study is to explore the potential components and pharmacological pathways that may play a role in hypouricemia activity of chicory. Bioinformatics and metabonomics were applied to this research. Firstly, component-target network was used to identify possible components related to the pharmacological properties and their corresponding mechanisms pathway of chicory. Afterwards, animal pharmacodynamic experiments were performed. Blood and stool samples were collected for untargeted metabolomic analysis by dint of UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS methods, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. Significant enriched function pathways were used in bioinformatics suggesting that chicory might have the effect of regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. PLS-DA analysis was applied to discover differentiating metabolites, and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that chicory had powerful effects of glycosylphosphatidylinositol- (GPI-) anchor biosynthesis, inositol phosphate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Combining bioinformatics and metabolomics results, we consider that chicory may develop on lowering uric acid by adjusting lipid metabolism. In addition, we chose quail as animal model innovatively and discussed the treatment of hyperuricemia with chicory in multiple methods, which may render reference for the research of HUA.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of oral administration of garlic extract in the livers of type 1 diabetic rats

Background Liver dysfunction is a predominant complication of diabetes. Herbal remedies such as garlic are commonly used for reducing diabetic complications. In this study the effect of garlic extract on glucose level, liver enzymes activities in the serum and nitric oxide (NO) level, oxidative stress status, and histology in the liver tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (type 1) was investigated. Methods Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized and divided into four groups: control rats, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with garlic, and garlic-treated normal rats. Glucose level and liver enzymes activities were determined by colorimetric assay in the serum. NO levels by Griess method, oxidative stress parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by spectrophotometric method, and histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining method were evaluated in the liver tissues. Results Glucose level, liver enzymes activities, MDA, TOS, and NO levels were increased and TAC level decreased significantly in diabetic rats in comparison with control rats (p<0.01); whereas, after oral administration of garlic, glucose level, liver enzymes activities, MDA, TOS, and NO levels were decreased and TAC level increased significantly near to the normal levels (p<0.05). Conclusion The results showed the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of garlic in the livers of type 1 diabetic rats.

Renoprotective effects of the methanolic extract of Tanacetum parthenium against carbon tetrachloride-induced renal injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated that carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many tissues including the kidney, heart, lung, brain, and liver. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective activity of Tanacetum parthenium extract (TPE) in renal tissues of CCl₄-intoxicated rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were divided into seven groups of six rats. Group 1 was the control group that was not treated with CCl₄. The rats in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl₄ (1.5 ml/kg, 1:1 in olive oil) on day 14. Rats in the groups bTPE40, bTPE80, and bTPE120 were gavaged with 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg of TPE, respectively for 14 constitutive days on a daily basis, before CCl₄ administration. Rats in groups aTPE80 and aTPE120 were gavaged with 80 and 120 mg/kg of TPE, respectively, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hr after receiving CCl₄. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 16^th day through an intracardiac puncture and then serums were separated.

RESULTS

CCl₄ increased urea, creatinine, uric acid and creatinine: albumin (C/A) ratio level in serum and decreased total antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) when compared to the control group (p<0.001). But administration of TPE to rats either before or after exposure to CCl₄, attenuated these changes when compared with CCl₄ control group (p<0.05 - p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

TPE had potent nephroprotective effects against oxygen free radicals produced through CCl₄ metabolism.

Ameliorative Effects of Allium sativum Extract on iNOS Gene Expression and NO Production in Liver of Streptozotocin + Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, which is strongly associated with liver dysfunction. Hyperglycemia, through an oxidative stress pathway, damages various tissues. Herbal medicine is a good candidate to ameliorate hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. In this study, the effects of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract (AGE) on gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and production of nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated in the liver tissue of diabetic rats. Four groups of rats contained normal control rats, garlic control rats (AGE), Streptozotocin (STZ) + nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats (DM), and diabetic rats treated with garlic (DM + AGE). Glucose levels and liver enzymes activities were determined by colorimetric assay in the serum. Gene expression of iNOS by real-time PCR, NO levels by Griess method, oxidative stress parameters by spectrophotometric method and histopathological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining method were evaluated in the liver tissues. Glucose levels, activities of liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, iNOS gene expression, and NO production increased significantly in diabetic rats in comparison with control rats, whereas after oral administration of garlic, these parameters decreased significantly, close to the normal levels. Hence, the beneficial effects of garlic on the liver injury of diabetes could be included in the hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties of garlic via a decrease in gene expression of iNOS and subsequent NO production.