Enriched-asafoetida diet attenuates hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats

It has been documented that oxidative stress and inflammation are the main causes of diabetic-induced disorders. Several studies have been reported the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of prepared asafoetida extracts, from Ferula assafoetida L. species in the Apiaceae family. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of enriched-asafoetida diet (EAD) 0.5% and 2% on plasma level of glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), insulin, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes, and vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1) control group, 2) diabetic group, 3 and 4) diabetic groups received EAD0.5% and EAD2% for 4 weeks, respectively. T2D was induced by intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. At the end of the experiment, the plasma level of glucose, lipid profile, insulin, oxidative stress, hepatic enzymes and vascular dysfunction were evaluated.

Fasting blood sugar, HbA1C, oxidative stress and hepatic enzymes significantly decreased and plasma level of insulin markedly increased in the EAD0.5 compared to the diabetic group. The plasma lipid profile was improved in the EAD0.5 group. The response of thoracic aorta rings to vasodilators and vasoconstrictor substances was considerably improved in EAD0.5 than in the diabetic group. The EAD2 did not have a significant effect on diabetic induced disorders.

The results of the present study suggest that the effects of EAD on biological disorders caused by T2D are dependent on the percentage of asafoetida in the diet.