Planta Med 2009; 75 - PH17
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234734

Licorice extract ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats

AA Hamza 1, GA Ramadan 1, MA Khasawneh 2
  • 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, U.A.E. University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box: 17555, U.A.E
  • 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, U.A.E. University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box: 17551, U.A.E

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective action of licorice in diabetic nephropathy in male rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (60mg/kg body weight). Daily oral ingestion (1g/kg body weight) of licorice extract for 60 days after the onset of diabetes reversed the adverse effect of diabetes on rats. Licorice extract alleviated blood glucose levels, restored renal function, and attenuated body weight loss. In addition, licorice extract modulated the adverse effect of diabetes on renal malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Furthermore, licorice extract restored the total antioxidant capacity of diabetic rat kidneys. The biochemical analyses were reinforced by the histological investigations where focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSG), tubular damage and hyperemic kidney were the histological changes seen in diabetic rats but not in treated rats. In conclusion, the biochemical analysis and light histological investigations of diabetic rat kidneys treated with licorice extract revealed that licorice may have a potential therapeutic effect for diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties.

Acknowledgements: United Arab Emirates University, Hazem Kataya

References: [1] Evans, J.L. et al. (2002) Endocr. Rev. 23:599–622

[2] Yorek, M.A. (2003) Free Radical Res. 37:471–480.

[3] Johansen, J.S. et al. (2005) Cardiovasc. Diabetol. 4:5.