Antihyperlipidemic effect of coumarin in experimental type 2 diabetic rats

The present study was aimed to examine the hypolipidemic effect of coumarin on streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin, 15 min after the intraperitoneal administration of 110 mg/kg nicotinamide. Streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic rats showed a significant increase in the levels of plasma and tissue (liver and kidney) lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids), LDL, VLDL and a significant decrease in the levels of HDL were observed. A significant increase in the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in tissues and significant decrease in the activities of LPL and LCAT in plasma were observed in type 2 diabetic rats. After oral administration of coumarin to diabetic rats, were found to alleviate the lipid profiles and lipid metabolizing enzymes. Conclusively, oral treatment of coumarin exhibited in a marked antihyperlipidemic effect against diabetes mellitus.