Effectiveness of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Barberry, Jujube, and Saffron Against Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The use of herbal medicine has recently increased because of its effectiveness, limited side effects, and easy accessibility. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant properties and diabetes treatment potential of 3 medicinal plants of barberry, saffron, and jujube. Methods: In the present study, 65 diabetic male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 13 groups. Groups 1 to 6 included diabetic rats that received hydroalcoholic extracts and groups 7 to 12 received aqueous extracts of the plants. The rates in Group 13 were diabetic controls, and 5 male Wistar rats were used as non-diabetic controls. Total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, radical scavenging activity, and fasting blood glucose were measured at the end of the 21st day of the treatment. Results: Hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the plants decreased malondialdehyde, and in contrast, increased total antioxidant levels (P ≤ 0.05). Increased levels of insulin and decreased levels of FBG in all treated groups were observed, which were notable for hydroalcoholic extract of saffron. Conclusions: The antioxidant properties of the plants, especially saffron and jujube, lead to the regeneration of pancreatic islet and probably increase insulin release in these treatment groups; and, the plants exert their beneficial antidiabetic effects because of their antioxidant potential.