Effect of Crataegus aronia on the Biochemical Parameters in Induced Diabetic Rats

Crataegus aronia is widely known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties, and it has traditionally been used to treat cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Crataegus aronia extract on the liver enzyme markers, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and kidney function biomarkers as well as hematological parameters in induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: normal Control; Diabetic; and Diabetic animals treated with two doses of Crataegus aronia extract (5 and 10mg/kg) (DM + extract), Control treated with the extract ( 5 and 10mg/ kg) and induced diabetic treated with insulin. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg, ip)and normal were orally administrated with Crataegus aronia extract once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the biochemical and hematological parameters were measured in all groups. Also, the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the Crataegus aronia extract were evaluated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid, and flavonol contents were 538.3 mg Galic acid equivalent /g extract, 149.3 mg Rutin equivalent / g extract, and 79.3 mg Rutin equivalent / g extract), respectively. The antioxidant activity according to 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) IC₅₀ and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were 28.02 μg/ml and in the range of 0.273 – 0.960 μmol Fe⁺²/g dw, respectively. Crataegus aronia extract significantly (p <0.05) affects red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets values. Also, Crataegus aronia had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, total proteins, albumins, triglycerides, creatinine, bilirubin, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). However, Crataegus aronia treatment had no significant effects (p < 0.05) on serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol levels. Crataegus aronia exerts antioxidant activity and significantly improves the biochemical and hematological biomarkers in induced diabetic rats.