Assessment of the Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) Compared to Glimepiride in Alloxan induced Diabetic Rabbits

Abstract

Objectives: To observe the antihyperglycemic effect of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.

Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), in collaboration with the Animal House of the Agriculture University, Tando Jam, from November 2023 to April 2024. A total of 24 adult healthy male rabbits weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 kg were included. The rabbits were divided into four groups: Group A (normal control) and Group B (diabetic-induced control) received 0.9% NaCl, while Group C (diabetic-induced) received Rosmarinus officinalis 250 mg/kg, and Group D (diabetic-induced) received glimepiride 2.5 mg/kg. Leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis were dried, powdered, and prepared as an ethanolic extract. After the experiment, blood samples were collected from the femoral vein, centrifuged, and analyzed for serum glucose levels. Hyperglycemia was defined as a blood glucose level above 200 mg/dL. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels showed a significant reduction in Groups C and D compared with Group B by day 28. Specifically, in Group C, FBS decreased from 252.8±2.5 to 181.3±2.3 mg/dL, and in Group D from 255±1.8 to 197.16±2.5 mg/dL (p<0.05), indicating significant efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis in improving FBS levels in diabetic rabbits.

Conclusion: Rosmarinus officinalis effectively reduced glycemic concentrations in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.