Urtica dioica Effect on Malonyl-CoA Decarboxylase

The malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD, EC.4.1.1.9) enzyme regulates malonyl-CoA levels. The effect of aerial parts extracts of Urtica dioica (UD) on MCD is poorly understood. The present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of UD aerial parts extracts on MCD level. In this experimental study, two groups of rats were used: normal and hyperglycemic group. Then UD aerial parts extracts (5 mg /500 µL) administrated to the hyperglycemic group of rats and finally, the MCD and insulin levels were measured in both groups. Interestingly, we observed that the UD aerial parts extracts powder caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in insulin level during the experiment, from the base level of 0.36 ± 0.07 μg/L to the peak value of 0.52 ± 0.15 μg/L. Also, it caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in MCD level, from the base level of 29.68 ±1.29 pg/mL to the bottom value of 22.12 ± 2.41 pg/mL. The results of the present study indicate that UD aerial part extracts would decrease MCD level in hyperglycemic rats.