The use of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) in Alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats.

The study emphasize the effect of H. rhamnoides and S. marianum 6% aqueous extract on blood sugar level in Alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats. The rats (200g and 3 months age) were divided in five groups: one non-diabetic control and four experimental groups with induced diabetes mellitus after 40 mg/kg b.w. intravenous administration of 2% Alloxan. One group was kept as diabetic control and in the other three groups was administered 6% aqueous extracts of H. rhamnoides, S. marianum or a combination of the extracts during seven weeks. The stronger effect was obtained in case of H. rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) extract administration followed by the S. marianum (Milk thistle) extract. The combination of the two extracts proven to have a stronger effect than the extracts given separately.