Abstract
Objective：The Herbal Remedy for Diabetes Mellitus-01 (HRDM-01) is composed of 11 species of medicinal plants. HRDM-01 is used as anti-hyperglycaemic agent. Anti-hyperglycaemic agents in western medicine often have hepatotoxicities. Therefore, we investigated safety of HRDM-01, especially in liver functions. Methods：We investigated the effects of HRDM-01 on liver function measuring serum AST, ALT and LDH levels and histopathological changes of liver tissue using photomicroscope. In addition, we also investigated the effects on serum lipid levels such as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride. Results：In our experiment, single injection of streptozotocin elevated levels of AST and ALT in serum. But LDH level was not affected. In addition, our animal model showed elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum. 30 days treatment with HRDM-01 lowered serum AST level. Serum levels of ALT and LDH did not affected. In addition, HRDM-01 lowered serum triglyceride level significantly. In histopathological observation, we did not find any abnormal changes in all experimental groups. Conclusions：Briefly, HRDM-01 did not elevate serum levels of ALT, LDH, total cholesterol and did not affect histopathological changes in liver tissues. Moreover, HRDM-01 lowered serum AST, triglyceride, which are elevated by induction of diabetes mellitus. These results suggest the safety of HRDM-01 in diabetic treatment.
