Evaluation of the antithyroid, antioxidative and antihyperglycemic activity of scopoletin from Aegle marmelos leaves in hyperthyroid rats

Scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin) was isolated from the leaves of Aegle marmelos and evaluated for its potential to regulate hyperthyroidism, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycemia in levo-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroid rats. Scopoletin (1.00 mg/kg, p.o.) administered daily for 7 days to levo-thyroxine-treated animals decreased the levels of serum thyroid hormones and glucose as well as hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity, demonstrating its potential to regulate hyperthyroidism and hyperglycemia. Scopoletin also inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Compared with the standard antithyroid drug, propylthiouracil, scopoletin exhibited a superior therapeutic activity, since unlike propylthiouracil, it also inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation. These findings indicate that scopoletin has the potential to inhibit thyroid function and hyperglycemia without hepatotoxicity.