Iranian Journal of

Background: plants have been used in treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) all over the world for centuries. Studies have indicated that, numerous classes of chemical compounds found in plants are potential effective in the treatment of diabetes. Lemon balm (Melissa officinal is) is a member of Lamiaceae family. In this study, were studied the effect of Melissa officinal is hydroalcoholic extracts in the prevention of diabetes and its effect on serum lipids and lipoproteins in rats.

Methods: Inthisstudy25male rats, weighing200-250grams were semi-randomly divided into5groups of 5 each. Group1(control),group2(diabetic),and groups3, 4and5, respectively extract with doses20, 100and500 mg/Kg/BW, for a period of two weeks every day through were gavaged and then diabetes was induced by way of intra peritoneal injection of alloxan at a dose120mg/kg WB .Blood from rats was performed in order to measure the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL.

Results: The results indicated a significant decrease (P<./.5) in levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL in rats treated with the extract of Melissa officinal is. In addition, significant increase (P<./.5) in HDL level were observed in treating rats in comparison to the diabetic group.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the Melissa officinal llis extract may be used effectively in preventing, controlling and attenuating the complications of DM. This effect can be due to the presence of flavono ides and their antioxidant features in these plant.