Acute toxicity and antidiabetic potential of moroccan Lavandula mairei essential oil in induced type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Lavandula mairei (L. mairei) is a species of plant from the Lamiaceae family that is endemic to Morocco and known for its aromatic and medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate toxicity and antidiabetic properties of L. mairei essential oil (EO). The toxicity study was conducted on mice by administration of a single oral dose, followed by observation for 14 days. Clinical signs and symptoms associated with each dose administered were closely monitored. Serum biochemical analyses of various biomarkers of hepatic and renal functions, lipid profile, as well as histological sections were examined. Moreover, the antidiabetic activity was evaluated in vivo in type 1 diabetic rats and, in vitro assays were carried out using enzyme suspensions prepared from the liver of type 2 diabetic rats. Additionally, we assessed the ability of the EO to inhibit the enzymatic activity of polyol pathway, α -amylase and α -glucosidase. The biochemical results indicated that the EO was unsafe at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, while histological sections showed clear signs of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity at both 1000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The EO showed a significant antidiabetic potential with a decrease in glycaemia and significant inhibitory effects on some metabolic enzymes. L. mairei EO may be a promising natural remedy for the management of diabetes, but rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.