Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in both irradiated and non-irradiated mulberry and persimmon extracts (water and methanolic extract). Additionally, the oxidative stability of these extracts against sunflower oil (SFO) was determined. The water extract has a higher content of both TPC and TFC. Irradiation exposure increased the antioxidant activity, especially at a dose of 1.5 kGy. Chemical composition of persimmon leaves had a higher fiber content than that of mulberry. Sensory evaluation of blends formula mulberry and persimmon herbal tea achieved the best overall acceptability (8.8) at 3% from each. Administration of 1.2 g/Kg from mulberry, persimmon leaves and their blends represented 72.5%, 71.6% and 73.5% reduction in glucose levels, in rats administrated with water extract, and 73.1%, 68.4% and 71% reduction with rats administrated powder. Thyroid hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in diabetic rats treated with mulberry and persimmon compared to diabetic rats. Lipid profile, renal and hepatic enzymes were ameliorated in rats treated with the studied leaves. Mulberry and persimmon leaves possess hypoglycemic activity, beneficial effects on lipid profile, renal and hepatic functions in rats treated with mulberry and persimmon leaves.