Antidiabetic Effect of Star Anise (Illicium verum) in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

AIM:The current study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of Illicium verum fruits. BACKGROUND:Illicium verum fruits are frequently used by the Moroccan population in the treatment of diabetes. METHODS:The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Illicium verum fruits (AEIVF) in rats was assessed. The effects of AEIVF (20 mg/kg) on glycemia and lipid profile as well as its phytochemical and antioxidant properties were evaluated. RESULTS:In normal and diabetic rats, AEIVF reduced blood glucose levels 6 hours after administration. Furthermore, after 7 days of treatment, glycemia was lowered in diabetic rats, and this extract exhibited an antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION:The study shows that Illicium verum possesses a potent antidiabetic activity. In addition, the toxicity of AEIVF was evaluated and the LD50 value was found to be greater than the 2 g/kg dose.