Hypoglycemic and hematological effects of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum Linn. in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum Linn. on blood glucose level, body weight, and some hematological parameters of alloxan induced diabetic rabbits for a period of one month. It was found that the aqueous extract significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the blood glucose level in diabetic rabbits. This decrease in blood glucose level was comparable to the effect of standard drugs glibenclamide and acarbose. The aqueous extract also maintained the body weight of alloxanized rabbits. Significant increase was observed in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and monocytes level in the diabetic treated rabbits as compared to the diabetic control non-treated group. ESR and monocytes level were significantly increased, whereas red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), neutrophils, hemoglobin (Hb) level, and platelets were significantly decreased in diabetic control non-treated rabbits, while these parameters in aqueous extract treated diabetic rabbits were comparable with normal control group. In conclusion, oral administration of aqueous extract of T. serpyllum produced hypoglycemic effects in alloxan-diabetic-rabbits, protected weight loss, and ameliorated diabetic-induced hematological disturbances in rabbits.       Key words: Diabetes, hematological parameters, hypoglycemia, Thymus serpyllum Linn