Effect of Burdock (Arctium lappa) Roots and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Leaves in Alloxan _ Induced Diabetic Rats

The prevalence of diabetes and its consequences has increased over the past several decades, and it is expected that it will double in the upcoming years. Diabetes problems are significantly influenced by chronic hyperglycemia, which is identified by highly advanced glycation end products. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations 2 and 4% of basil leaves and burdock roots, as well as their mixture as powder, on glucose levels in diabetic rats. A total of 48 rats were used in this experiment, which were divided into eight groups of six rats each. Alloxan was used to induce rat’s diabetic. Biochemical tests were performed to evaluate glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), as well as liver and kidney functions. Results showed that rats fed on 4 % mixture powder recorded the lowest glucose level with significant differences being119.25 mg/dl. Data also indicated that rats fed on powder basil leaves, burdock roots, or their mixture increased HDL-c significantly (P≤0.05) and improved kidney and liver functions by lowering ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, uric acid, and urea level. In conclusion, a 4% powdered blend of basil leaves and burdock roots improves all biochemical studies, especially glucose levels.