[Changes of metabolic indices caused by berberin and extract, obtained from the bark of Phellodendron lavalei, introduced in subtropic regions of Georgia, in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats].

The goal of the study was to identify changes in lipid metabolism, functional condition of liver and kidney influenced by berberin and extract, obtained from the bark of Рhеllodendron lavalei, introduced in sub tropic regions of Georgia, in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Diabetes in animals was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in 1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5, dose 40 mg/kg per body weight, 1 ml volume. Treatment was conducted using berberin hydrochloride dose 150 mg/kg and extract of the bark of Рhеllodendron lavalei dose 400 mg/kg per orally, on an everyday basis, once a day during 3 weeks. Afterwards the concentrations of the following agents were measured in blood: glucose, uric acid, creatinine, AST, ALT, bilirubin, triglycerides, cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. It was determined that per oral administration of berberin hydrochloride dose and extract of the bark of Рhеllodendron lavalei during 3 weeks caused decrease in blood glucose level, improved morpho-functional characteristics of liver and kidneys, and modulated lipid spectrum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. In conclusion we can suggest that these phytodrugs can be a valuable asset to the treatment of metabolic syndrome and prevention of diabetes type 2, associated with metabolic and systemic disorders.