Abstract

Background: In recent years, apple cider vinegar has been singled out as an especially helpful health remedy. It has been widely used in various dosage forms in alternative medicine for several conditions such as diabetes and obesity. In this study, the effect of apple cider vinegar on blood glucose level has been evaluated. Methods: Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozocin 40 mg/kg/day for 4 days was used to induce diabetes in mice. The mice were divided in six groups (n=10). Two concentrations of 0.16 and 1.6 of apple cider vinegar were used in drinking water for 21 days. Normal saline and acetic acid were used as negative controls and glibenclamide by IP injection (5mg/kg) as positive control. For studying any possible combination effects, 0.16 apple cider vinegar and glibenclamide were used together. Also, the effects of apple cider vinegar on glucose tolerance test and amylase serum concentration were evaluated. Results: Our results indicated that apple cider vinegar in both concentrations was not effective after 3 days of the start of its administration. However, on day 7 it reduced blood glucose levels significantly and this was maintained on days 14 and 21. Glucose tolerance test showed that apple cider vinegar was effective in lowering blood glucose level after 60 minutes of glucose administration and this was maintained up to 120 minutes. Also, in both concentrations significantly reduced serum amylase levels 21 days after the start of its administration. Conclusions: Therefore, in this study it has been revealed that apple cider vinegar has considerable reducing effect on blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. The mechanism of this action and its significance remain to be elucidated in future investigations.