Modulatory effect of S-allylcysteine on glucose metabolism in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

The antihyperglycemic effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) on normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetes was induced into male albino Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ. The SAC was administered orally (150 mg/kg bw) to normal and STZ-diabetic rats for 45 days. The diabetic rats showed an increase in levels of blood glucose. In addition, diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in the activity of hexokinase, glycogen synthase, liver glycogen and an elevation in the activities of enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase. Treatment with SAC significantly decreased blood glucose and. SAC administration to diabetic rats reversed these enzyme activities in a significant manner. Thus, the results show that SAC possesses an antihyperglycemic activity and provide evidence for its traditional usage in the control of diabetes.