Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), and their Combination on Blood Glucose, Superoxide Dismutase, and Malondialdehyde Levels in Diabetic Rat

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood glucose levels known as hyperglycemia. In addition, diabetes is associated with decreased Superoxide Dismutase and increased Malondialdehyde levels. Alternative treatments for diabetes mellitus may involve the use of natural ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), and their combination on blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)levels in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was induced in the rats by a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg BW). The diabetic rats were divided into five groups; DM which served as the control (Diabetic rats without treatment), A1 (Diabetic rats treated with Zingiber officinale extract), A2 (Diabetic rats treated with Cinnamomum verum extract), A3 (Diabetic rats treated with Syzygium aromaticum extract), and A4 (Diabetic rats treated with a combination of the three spices). The treatments were orally administered once daily for 14 days. On day 15, all the rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected. The blood samples were analyzed for the concentrations of glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results showed that the administration of A3 significantly reduced blood glucose level, the administration of A1 and A4 significantly reduced MDA level compared to the control. Therefore, these spices have the potential to be used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.