Therapeutic effect of garlic flower extract and zinc sulphate combined on hematocrit in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The positive effects of garlic on diabetes and its complications are known. Zinc also has beneficial therapeutic effects on diabetes in diabetic animals and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of combination of garlic flower extract and zinc sulfate on hematocrit in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7). Which include: Sham group that received usual water and food for 45 days and were injected normal saline on first day of beginning of this time period Positive control group (diabetic) which they received usual food and water during 45 days and they were injected streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose 40mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection) on first day of beginning of this time period. The treated group with garlic flower extract + zinc sulfate, immediately after receiving STZ and ensuring of their diabetes they were treated with garlic extract of 360 mg/Lit and zinc sulfate at a concentration of 36 mg/Lit in drinking water during 45-day period. The hematocrits were measured automatically, using Diatron device, model ABACUS-c (Austria). Hematocrit in the treated group, which received the hydroalcoholic extract of garlic flower and zinc sulfate in combination, showed a significant increase compared to control (p<0.001). The results indicated that the combination of garlic flower extract and zinc sulfate in drinkable water were could increase hematocrit in rats with induced diabetes.