Antidiabetic Effect of Star Anise (Illicium verum) in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

The current study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of Illicium verum fruits. Illicium verum fruits are frequently used by the Moroccan population in the treatment of diabetes. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Illicium verum fruits (AEIVF) in rats was assessed. The effects of AEIVF (20 mg/kg) on glycemia and lipid profile as well as its phytochemical and antioxidant properties were evaluated. In normal and diabetic rats, AEIVF reduced blood glucose levels 6 hours after administration. Furthermore, after 7 days of treatment, glycemia was lowered in diabetic rats, and this extract exhibited an antioxidant activity. The study shows that Illicium verum possesses a potent antidiabetic activity. In addition, the toxicity of AEIVF was evaluated and the LD50 value was found to be greater than the 2 g/kg dose.