Comparison of the Antidiabetic Activity of Lepidium sativum Seed Extract with that of Insulin in Diabetic Rats: A Comparative Study

Diabetes can adversely affect spermatogenesis. Garden cress plant, known as Lepidium sativum, contains antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate and compare in vivo antidiabetic activities of hydroalcoholic garden cress seed extract and insulin on diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, diabetes was induced in the animals using streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Fifty rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: Groups 1, nondiabetic rats; group 2, diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin; Group 3, diabetic animals that received streptozotocin plus insulin; and groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats that received 200 and 400 mg/kg garden cress seed extract respectively by gavage for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, the sperm parameters obtained from the tail of the left epididymis and biochemical parameters were analyzed and compared among the groups. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

The sperm parameters of the diabetic groups receiving 200 and 400 mg/kg of garden cress extract demonstrated a significant increase in all parameters compared to those of the diabetic control group. Administration of garden cress extract as a powerful antioxidant led to compensation for the streptozotocin toxicity and improved sperm quality.

Administration of the Lepidium sativum seed extract compensated for the Streptozotocin-induced harmful effects. Our findings suggested that use of the garden cress seed extract and insulin therapy may have a potential protective effect on diabetes mellitus.