<i>Rheum turkestanicum</i> rhizomes possess anti-hypertriglyceridemic, but not hypoglycemic or hepatoprotective effect in experimental diabetes.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: rhizome extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: rhizomes at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg daily by gavage for 3 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were measured in all groups before diabetes induction and at the end of week 3. Oxidative stress was evaluated in the liver by measurement of malondialdehyde levels and total thiol concentration at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: extract significantly decreased serum triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner at the end of the experiment. CONCLUSION: rhizome should be consumed with more caution by diabetic patients.