Bagher Larijani, Mojgan Sangaei, Farzaneh Zahedi, Reza Baradar-Jalili, Mohammad Reza Amini, Iman Rahimi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
Introduction: There is as yet no consensus as to the effect of Ramadan fasting on fasting blood glucose. We carried out a study to help clarify the situation.
Methods: This was a semi-experimental (pre- and post-) study of 115 healthy volunteers (67 men and 48 women), who fasted for at least 25 days during Ramadan. Blood samples were taken 7 days before Ramadan (at 7am after a 8-hour overnight fast), and on the 14th and 28th days of Ramadan (1 hour before sundown). The mean duration of daily fasting was 11.5±0.5 hours. Plasma glucose was measured by an enzymatic assay. Statistical analysis was by the paired-t and ANOVA functions on SPSS10.0 software.
Results: Fasting plasma glucose in the group as a whole decreased from 88.4±9.0mg/dl pre-Ramadan to 75.4±15.3mg/dl on day 14 and 62.9±7.7mg/dl on day 28 (p<0.001). Both men [87.5±8.8mgdl (pre-Ramadan) 60.8±6.4mg/dl (day 28)] and women [89.7±9.3mgdl (pre-Ramadan) 65.7±8.4mg/dl (day 28)] experienced a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose levels (p<0.001 in both). There was a reduction in calorie intake during Ramadan in every volunteer (p<0.001), and there was a direct correlation between reduction in calorie intake and fasting plasma glucose (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Fasting plasma glucose decreases with Ramadan fasting and is associated with a reduction in calorie intake. The decrease in plasma glucose does not seem to be accompanied by any serious adverse effects in healthy volunteers, however.
Hossein Madani, Nargol Ahmady Mahmoodabady, Akbar Vahdati,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2005)
Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease probably caused by various factors such genetics, environmental stresses, viral infections and diet. The disease is associated with damage to pancreatic insulin-producing β cells. Many researches have been performed to study the therapeutic effects of herbal medications on diabetes mellitus. The protective effects of some plants such as Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Saliva sclarea, Allium ampeloprasum etc in diabetes induced rats were reported. Dill with the scientific name of Anethum graveolens, is a plant from umbellifera. This family which contains flavonoid compounds.
Methods: In this research, effects of hydroalchoholic extract of this plant on blood glucose level, lipids and lipoproteins in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Fifteen adult male rats, weighing 200-250 gr, were used in three five member groups. Rats in the control group, received physiological serum. as intraperitoneal (IP). In diabetic control group (DCG), diabetes was induced using Alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 120 mg/kgbw. In addition to diabetes induction just like DCG, the treated diabetic control group (TDCG) rats were dosed with 300 mg/kgbw hydroalcoholic Anethum graveolens extract. All rats received all materials via intraperitoneal injection (IP). 48 hours after the last IP, blood sample was taken from each animal via cardiac puncture to measure blood factors.
Results: The results indicated significant reduction in glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels in TDCG rats compared to DCG rats. Due to the use of dill extract, HDL level was significantly increased.
Conclusion: Effect of Anethum graveolens is related to antioxidant compounds. This compounds affect glucose absorbtion and beta cells regeneration. The results of this research indicate that using hydroalcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens could effectively decrease blood sugar levels.
