Laurus nobilis leaves extract protects against high fat diet-induced type 2 Diabetes in rats

Abstract

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as bay, is used in folk medicine as a remedy for many ailments. The present study investigates the protective effect of L. nobilis leaves extract against high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. Animals were divided into group 1 (control), groups 2, 3, and 4 (bay leaves aqueous (AQ) extracts; 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg of body weight, respectively), and groups 5, 6, and 7 (bay leaves methanol/acetone (MeAc) extract; 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Animals were fed an isocaloric high fat diet for four weeks. The intake of bay leaves extracts was associated with a significant decreases in serum levels of glucose (AQ, 100 and 250 mg/kg; MeAc, 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg) and serum triglyceride (AQ, 250 mg/kg; MeAc, 100, and 250 mg/kg) as well as lower abdominal fat (all AQ and MeAc groups) and body weight gain (MeAc groups only). In conclusion, L. nobilis leaves extract intake provides a protective remedy against high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes.  Key words: Laurus nobilis, type 2 diabetes, bay leaves, high fat diet.