Abstract:

In this study, the effect of boric acid (BA) on blood sugar levels, vitamins and minerals in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats was investigated. In the study, 48 male Wistar albino rats (200-220 g) were divided into 6 groups, no special treatment was administered to Group1, experimental diabetes was induced by administering STZ (45 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal (IP) injection to other groups. Group 2 diabetes; Group 3 (6 U/kg insulin) insulin; Group 4; 250 ppm, group 5; 500 ppm and group 6 1000 ppm BA mixed with their feed. Blood glucose levels of all groups were quantified from blood taken from the tail vein every week. At the end of study, the rats were sacrificed and their blood was taken. The serum levels of vitamins A, E, and minerals were studied. When compared with other groups, blood glucose levels of groups 4, 5 and 6 were found to be increased (p<0.05). When compared to the baseline values, it was found that Vitamin A in the group 2 and 4, vitamin E in the group 4, Cu in the group 4, 5, 6, Zn, Mg and Na in the group 2 decreased and Fe in the group 2 increased. While Ca and P decreased in groups 5 and 6, no change was observed in Al in all groups. As a result, it has been observed that boron has a hyperglycemic effect when evaluated together with vitamins and minerals in diabetic rats. Whether boron is a suitable agent in the treatment of diabetes should be evaluated with further studies.

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