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Ansari M. Effects of Afghan Withania coagulans on Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetic Rats. KJMS 2024; 9 (15) :33-42
URL: http://kjms.knu.edu.af/article-1-50-en.html

Introduction: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease worldwide, responsible for approximately four million deaths annually. Today, diabetes is considered one of the most significant health, therapeutic, and socio-economic challenges globally. The importance of diabetes primarily lies in its high prevalence and the numerous complications it causes. Throughout history, various plants have been traditionally used to lower blood glucose levels and alleviate diabetes-related complications. Withania coagulans is a unique medicinal plant species that has been studied in several countries for its compounds and effects on blood sugar reduction. This plant is also native to Afghanistan, yet no research has been conducted on it to date. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Afghan Withania coagulans extract on blood glucose levels.
Material and methods: This research was conducted at the Research and Technology Center of Khatam-Al-Nabeien University on 30 rats divided into five groups (healthy control, diabetic control, and three extract-receiving groups). Diabetes was induced in the rats with a single dose of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. The extraction of Withania coagulans was carried out using the hydroalcoholic method. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer on days 0, 7 and 14.
Results: The findings indicate that the diabetic control group showed a significant increase in blood glucose levels compared to the healthy control group, while the groups receiving Withania coagulans extract demonstrated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.001).
Discussion: Considering the bioactive compounds present in Withania coagulans, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, tannins, proteins, amino acids, and withanolides, it is hypothesized that these compounds may reduce blood glucose levels through mechanisms such as beta-cell repair, increased insulin secretion, enhanced glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, and decreased intestinal glucose absorption.