Introduction: Rhus coriaria. L (Rc.L) as an herbal remedy used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 10-weeks aerobic training with Rhus coriaria. L supplementation on total antioxidant capacity (TAC), insulin resistance and anthropometric indices in women with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed in 2016 on 40 type II diabetic women )40 to 60 yr (of Ajabshir city that volunteered and randomly assigned into 1-Rc.L supplement, 2- exercise, 3- Rc.L supplement+exercise and 4- control groups. Exercise protocol was aerobics and walking activity for 10 weeks (3d/wk, 40 to 60 min/d with 45-60% HRRmax intensity). Subjects in groups 1and 3 received 3 grams of Rc.L powder daily. Fasting blood samples were collected in pre and post-test following 48 hours of inactivity and not consumption of Rc.L and 12 hours of fasting. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and LSD Statistical tests at significance level of p<0.05.
Results: TAC increased significantly after 10 weeks in Rc.L supplement group and insulin resistance index significantly decreased in 1, 2 and 3 groups. Also anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index & etc) were significantly decreased in 1, 2 and 3 groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Given that Rc.L supplementation along aerobics and walking activity, has favorable effects on total antioxidant capacity, insulin sensitivity, blood glucose and anthropometric indices in people with type 2 diabetes. So it can be used as a complementary therapy along with medications to control diabetes and prevent its complications.
