Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Urtica diocia extract has been used for treatment of diabetes mellitus for many centuries. Hypoglycemic effects of U. diocia have been shown in multiple studies. The present study was designed to determinate the possible mechanisms of hypoglycemic effects of U. diocia on human muscle cells.

Methods and materials: In cell culture laboratory of Drug Applied Research Center of Tabriz University (Medical Sciences) in IRAN human muscle cells prepared in multiple flasks containing culture media. Alcoholic extract of U. diocia with doses of 50, 100 and 200 μg were added to muscle cells flasks. The same doses of extract plus insulin added to other muscle cells flasks. In all flasks glucose levels were measured before and 60, 120 and 180 min after adding of extract.

Results: Mean±standard error (S.E.M.) of glucose (mg/dl) level in muscle cells medias containing of U. diocia with dose of 50 μg were 212±2.35 in 0 min, 210±2.11 in 60 min, 216±2.35 in 120 min and 218±2.94 in 180 min; with dose of 100 μg were 212±2.11 in 0 min, 212±2.35 in 60 min, 212±2.35 in 120 min and 211±2.11 in 180 min; with dose of 200 μg were 204±2.35 in 0 min, 203±2.11 in 60 min, 206±2.11 in 120 min and 208±2.94 in 180 min.

The glucose level in muscle cell medias containing of U. diocia plus insulin with dose of 50 μg were 204±2.11 in 0 min, 214±2.94 in 60 min, 213±2.94 in 120 min and 213±2.35 in 180 min; with dose of 100 were 206±2.11 in 0 min, 208±2.35 in 60 min, 210±2.35 in 120 min and 211±2.94 in 180 min; and with dose of 200 μg were 202±2.11 in 0 min, 209±2.35 in 60 min, 204±2.11 in 120 min and 207±2.94 in 180 min. The results showed that glucose level were not changed significantly in muscle cell medias with addition U. diocia alone or U. diocia plus insulin.

Conclusion: The results of the present study show that alcoholic extract of U. diocia was not able to increase insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.