Chenopodium quinoa Exhibits Antihyperglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin- induced Diabetic Rats.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of Chenopodium quinoa.

Background: Chenopodium quinoa is a pseudocereal plant with several medicinal properties.

Objective: The goal of this investigation was to determine the antihyperglycemic activity of Chenopodium quinoa in both normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: In this study, the effect of the aqueous extract of Chenopodium quinoa seeds (AECQS) (60 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels was evaluated in both normal and diabetic rats after a single (6 hours) and repeated oral administration (7 days of treatment). The effect of this herb on glucose tolerance and lipid profile was also studied. Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver was carried out using the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity as well as, preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification of some secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins) were performed according to standard methods.

Results: AECQS produced a significant lowering effect on plasma glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, this extract exhibited a remarkable amelioration on hepatic histopathology in diabetic rats. In addition, the extract exerted a remarkable antioxidant activity which could be due to the presence of some compounds found in this herb.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the aqueous extract of Chenopodium quinoa seeds has a favorable effect in controlling diabetes mellitus.