Restoration of antioxidants by ethanolic Tinospora cordifolia in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of an alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots on antioxidant defence in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. A significant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in brain along with a decrease in heart was observed in diabetic rats. Decreased concentration of glutathione (GSH) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in heart and brain of diabetic rats were also noted. Alcoholic Tinospora cordifolia root extract (TCREt) administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg to diabetic rats orally for six weeks normalized the antioxidant status of heart and brain. The effect of T. cordifolia root extract was more prominent than glibenclamide (600 microg/kg). Insulin (6 units/kg) restored all the parameters to normal status.     

Prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy in STZ diabetic rats by Tinospora cordifolia and its molecular mechanisms

We investigated the potential of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) in treatment of diabetic retinopathy in STZ-induced rats due to its antihyperglycemic, angiogenic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. The diabetic rats, treated for 24 weeks with TC extract (250 mg/kg), were evaluated for lenticular and fundus changes. Biochemical parameters were estimated and histopathological studies performed. TC significantly reduced blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin in treated rats. It prevented cataract development in treated group. Angiogenic markers VEGF and PKC increased in diabetic retina, which reduced significantly with TC. Anti-inflammatory parameters TNF-α and IL-1β elevated in diabetic group unlike that in treated group. TC also provided defense against depletion of antioxidant enzymes- glutathione and catalase. Histopathological studies revealed thickening of basement membrane of the retinal and glomerular vasculature of diabetic rat, but no basement membrane widening was seen in treated animals. Destruction of pancreatic islet structure was observed in diabetic group, but not in treated. Thus, TC reduces blood glucose and inhibits overexpression of angiogenic and inflammatory mediators, which are distinct markers of diabetic retinopathy. It also prevents retinal oxidative stress and restores antioxidant enzyme levels. These data provide evidence for the safety and potential effect of TC in the management of experimental diabetic retinopathy.     

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Stem Extract Against Rifampicin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis against rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.The coarse powder of the shade dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis was subjected to successive extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus using solvents petroleum ether (60-80°) and methanol. Liver damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis (500 mg/kg, p.o) was administered 1 h prior to the administration of rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o) used as reference drug. Elevated levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline posphatase and bilirubin following rifampicin induction were significantly lowered due to pretreatment with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis. Rifampicin administration significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant activities like reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutas and catalase. Pretreatment of rats with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the antioxidant activities. Histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis further confirms the hepatoprotective activity. The results of the present study indicated the hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis which might be ascribable to its antioxidant property due to the presence of β-carotene.     

Effect of aqueous Enicostemma littorale Blume extract on key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, lipid peroxides and antioxidants in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of an aqueous Enicostemma littorale whole plant extract on some key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and antioxidant defence in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by alloxan (150 mgkg(-1) body weight) administration. Oral administration of E. littorale extract for 45 days increased the activity of hexokinase and decreased the activities of glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase significantly in the serum, liver and kidney of diabetic rats. The extract lowered the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides significantly in brain and increased it significantly in heart in diabetic rats. E. littorale administration increased the concentration of reduced glutathione and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in diabetic rats. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased significantly by E. littorale treatment in diabetic rats. The effect of a 2 g kg(-1) dose was greater than that of a 1 gkg(-1) dose. Insulin (6 units kg(-1)) normalized all the parameters in diabetic rats. Our study has provided evidence for the antidiabetic activity of E. littorale aqueous extract. This study can also be extrapolated to clinical studies in future.     

Neuroprotective Activity of Pongamia pinnata in Monosodium Glutamate-induced Neurotoxicity in Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective activity of ethanol extract of Pongamia pinnata stem bark in monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Neurotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of monosodium glutamate 2 g per kg body weight daily for 7 days. Ethanol extract of Pongamia pinnata stem bark (200 and 400 mg/kg) was administered orally after 1 h of monosodium glutamate treatment. Dextromethorphan (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as standard drug for the comparison. The degree of protection was determined by various behavioural, locomotor, muscle grip activity, lipid peroxidation and measurement of antioxidant status of glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Estimation of calcium, sodium and potassium ions in brain tissue and gamma aminobutyric acid level in serum was carried out. The histopathological study of brain tissue was also carried out. Treatment with Pongamia pinnata significantly improved monosodium glutamate-induced alteration in behavioural and locomotor activity and muscle strength. Significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and increase in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase was observed in Pongamia pinnata treated group. Further, Pongamia pinnata also significantly reduced the monosodium glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by decreasing the level of Ca⁺² and Na⁺ with concomitant increase in the level of K⁺. Serum gamma aminobutyric acid level was also increased in Pongamia pinnata treated animals. Further, the histopathological evidence supports the neuroprotective activity of Pongamia pinnata. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the ethanol extract of stem bark of Pongamia pinnata possesses significant neuroprotective activity in albino rats.     

Enicostemma littorale Blume aqueous extract improves the antioxidant status in alloxan-induced diabetic rat tissues

This study investigates the effect of oral administration of an aqueous Enicostemma littorale whole plant extract on antioxidant defense in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. A significant increase in blood glucose and increased concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides (HP) in liver, kidney and pancreas were observed in alloxan diabetic rats. Decreased concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also observed in these tissues of diabetic rats. Oral administration of aqueous E. littorale whole plant extract (1 and 2 g/kg) to diabetic rats daily for 45 days significantly decreased blood glucose, TBARS, HP and increased GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx. E. littorale extract at the dose of 2 g/kg was more effective than 1 g/kg. Insulin (6 units/kg) administration to diabetic rats for 45 days brought back all the parameters to near normal status.     

Protective effect of Eugenia jambolana seed kernel on tissue antioxidants in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Oxidative stress plays an important role in chronic complications of diabetes. In the present study the antioxidant effect of oral administration of ethanolic extract of Eugenia jambolana seed kernel on tissue antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was evaluated. Administration of seed kernel to diabetic rats significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and increased body weight gain, plasma insulin and hemoglobin. The diabetic rats showed the low activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione content in liver and kidney, which were restored to near normal levels by treatment with the seed kernel extract. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides in diabetic rats were reverted back to near normal levels after the treatment with seed kernel extract. Diabetic rats treated with seed kernel extract restored almost normal architecture of liver and kidney and were confirmed by histopathological examination. The present study reveals the efficacy of Eugenia jambolana seed kernel in the amelioration of diabetes, which may be attributed to its hypoglycemic property along with its antioxidant potential. The antioxidant effect of Eugenia jambolana seed kernel was also compared with glibenclamide, a standard hypoglycemic drug.     

In Vitro. and In Vivo. Evaluation of Free-Radical Scavenging Potential of Cissus quadrangularis.

Abstract

The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis. (L.) (CQE) against free-radical damage. The test extract exhibited significant scavenging effect on DPPH free radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical production, and inhibition of lipid peroxide production in erythrocytes. The free-radical scavenging effect of CQE was comparable with that of reference antioxidants. The activities of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat liver homogenate were assessed in CCl₄- and CQE-treated animals. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) caused a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDL) levels and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S.-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities, which were reverted by CQE treatment. The results obtained suggest that CQE showed antilipid peroxidative, free-radical scavenging property and ameliorated the liver damage by an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities. It can be concluded that the free-radical scavenging/antioxidant activity of the plant extract may be responsible for the therapeutic action against tissue damage.     

Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the presence of antioxidant property in the alcoholic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel. Oral administration of Aloe vera gel extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg to diabetic rats significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and increased hemoglobin. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides in tissues of diabetic rats were reverted back to near normal levels after the treatment with gel extract. The extract treatment also resulted in a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. These results clearly show the antioxidant property of Aloe vera gel extract. The extract was also more effective than glibenclamide in restoring the values of these parameters.     

Beneficial Antioxidative and Antiperoxidative Effect of Cinnamaldehyde Protect Streptozotocin-Induced Pancreatic β-Cells Damage in Wistar Rats

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant defense system of cinnamaldehyde in normal, diabetic rats and its possible protection of pancreatic β-cells against its gradual loss under diabetic conditions. In vitro free radical scavenging effect of cinnamaldehyde was determined using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl), superoxide radical, and nitric oxide radical. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally administered with cinnamaldehyde at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the levels of plasma lipid peroxides and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were determined. A significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, and lipid peroxides and significant decrease in the levels of plasma insulin and reduced glutathione were observed in the diabetic rats. Also the activities of pancreatic antioxidant enzymes were altered in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The altered enzyme activities were reverted to near-normal levels after treatment with cinnamaldehyde and glibenclamide. Histopathological studies also revealed a protective effect of cinnamaldehyde on pancreatic β-cells. Cinnamaldehyde enhances the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycemic conditions and thus protects pancreatic β-cells against their loss and exhibits antidiabetic properties.     

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Dunaliella salina in Paracetamol-induced Acute Toxicity in Rats

Paracetamol has a reasonable safety profile when taken in therapeutic doses. However, it could induce hepatotoxicity and even more severe fatal acute hepatic damage when taken in an overdose. The green alga, Dunaliella salina was investigated for hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats overdosed with paracetamol showed liver damage and oxidative stress as indicated by significantly (P<0.05) increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, malondialdehyde, cholesterol and nitric oxide. At the same time, there were decreased activities of serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity compared with the control group. Treatment with D. salina methanol extract at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight or silymarin could significantly (P<0.05) decrease the liver damage marker enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, malondialdehyde, cholesterol and nitric oxide levels and increase the activities of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum when compared with paracetamol intoxicated group. Liver histopathology also showed that D. salina reduced the centrilobular necrosis, congestion and inflammatory cell infiltration evoked by paracetamol overdose. These results suggest that D. salina exhibits a potent hepatoprotective effect on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats, which may be due to both the increase of antioxidant enzymes activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.     

Effect of Terminalia arjuna stem bark on antioxidant status in liver and kidney of alloxan diabetic rats

Free radicals and associated oxidative stress induced by alloxan are implicated in eliciting pathological changes in diabetes mellitus. Terminalia arjuna bark, an indigenous plant used in ayurvedic medicine in India, primarily as a cardiotonic is also used in treating diabetes, anemia, tumors and hypertension. The present study examined the effect of ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) of Terminalia arjuna stem bark in alloxan induced diabetic rats and its lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and nonenzymatic activity was investigated in the liver and kidney tissues. The extract produced significant (P<0.05) reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO). The effect of oral T. arjuna at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight was more than the 250 mg/kg body weight. The extract also causes a significant (P<0.05) increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, total sulfhydryl groups (TSH) and non protein sulfhydryl groups (NPSH) in liver and kidney of alloxan induced diabetic rats, which clearly shows, the antioxidant property of T. arjuna bark. The result indicates that the extract exhibit the antioxidant activity through correction of oxidative stress and validates the traditional use of this plant in diabetic animals.     

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative damage in rats

The present study aimed to determine whether the leaves of Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans extract exert significant antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of its hydroethanolic extract (HEETU) was evaluated by assessing (a) its radical scavenging ability in vitro, and (b) its in vivo effect on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities. The in vitro antioxidant assay (DPPH) clearly supported HEETU free radical scavenging potential. Moreover, glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) were significantly enhanced in CCl₄-treated rats due to oral HEETU-treatment (500 mg/kg b.w.) over 7 and 21 days. In addition, an improvement was observed in lipid peroxidation and serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), indicating a protective effect against CCl₄-induced liver injuries, confirmed by histopathological studies. The HEETU effect was comparable to the standard drug Legalon® (50 mg/kg b.w.) under the same experimental condition. Quantitative analysis of the HPLC extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, wich mediate the effects of antioxidant and oxidative stress. In conclusion, extract components exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in vitro and in vivo.     

Antidiabetogenic action of Morus rubra L. leaf extract in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

Objectives Researchers all over the world are exploring herbal supplements to control diabetes and its complications. This study evaluated the antidiabetic action of Morus rubra L. aqueous leaf extract through its effect on hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Methods The extract was orally administered to diabetic rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were drawn to measure glucose tolerance, glycosylated haemoglobin, insulin, C‐peptide and lipid parameters. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), reduced glutathione and lipid peroxides were determined in blood and liver tissue. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue was also performed. Key findings The extract showed a dose‐dependent fall in fasting blood glucose. Treatment with 400 mg/kg extract produced a significant reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin with a concomitant elevation in plasma insulin and C‐peptide levels. The altered serum lipids in diabetic rats were significantly restored following treatment with the extract. In erythrocytes, as well as liver, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and content of reduced glutathione were found to be significantly enhanced, while levels of serum and hepatic lipid peroxides were suppressed in extract‐fed diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue revealed an increased number of islets and β‐cells in extract‐treated diabetic rats. Conclusions M. rubra aqueous leaf extract leads to control over hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. The study also demonstrates its antioxidant nature, and hence it may be protective against diabetic complications.     

Protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract against renal oxidative stress in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Aim and Objectives:

In the present study, we have evaluated the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (PAAEt) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

PAAEt was administered at 200 mg/kg body weight/day to normal treated (NT-group) and STZ-induced diabetic treated rats (DT-group) by gavage for eight weeks. During the experimental period, blood was collected from fasted rats at 10 days intervals and plasma glucose level was estimated. The plasma lipid profile was estimated at the end of experimental period. After the treatment, period kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated and antioxidant enzymes viz., glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also assayed.

Results:

The significant decrease in the body weight, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats (D-group) were rectified with PAAEt treatment in diabetic treated group (DT-group). D-group rats showed increased renal oxidative stress with increased LPO and protein oxidation. DT-group showed a significant decrease in renal LPO, protein oxidation and a significant increase in GSH content and GR, GPx and GST activities when compared with D-group. The activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly in D-group, but were normalized in DT-group. Normal rats treated with PAAEt (NT-rats) showed a significant decrease in lipid profile, renal LPO and protein oxidation, with significant increase in renal GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to normal rats (N-group).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that PAAEt with its antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties could be a potential herbal medicine in treating diabetes and renal problems.     

汉防己甲素对大鼠肝保护和抗氧化作用研究

目的:使用汉防己甲素评价对四氯化碳诱导的大鼠肝损伤的保护作用以及抗氧化作用。方法:每日给予四氯化碳损伤大鼠不同的浓度汉防己甲素剂量分别为20,60,100mg/kg,随后检测血清和组织中谷胱甘肽(GSH),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶,过氧化氢酶(CAT),超氧化和物歧化酶(SOD),谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST),脂质过氧化效应等指标,体外抗氧化使用使用超氧化物和过氧化物清除实验评价。结果:与对照组和四氯化碳模型组比较后发现,汉防己甲素在所用剂量下均显示出较为理想的肝保护和抗氧化效应。进一步的体外过氧化自由基清除和超氧化自由基清除实验表明,汉防己甲素较维生素C有更为优越的清除活性。结论:汉防己甲素能有效保护四氯化碳对大鼠造成的肝损伤,其保护机制可能与抗氧化和自由基清除密切相关。     

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Calotropis gigantea on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Swarnabhasma, an Ayurvedic preparation containing Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is extensively used by Ayurvedic physicians for treatment of diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and nervous disorders. In the present study, we report the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower on free radical scavenging activity, and lipid profile in streptozotozin-induced diabetic rats. The lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured in liver homogenate and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lipid profile were measured in blood serum. Administration of single dose of streptozotozin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant increases in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly decreased. Further, administration of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower to streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats at a dose of 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg orally for 27 d lead to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Consequently, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly increased. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control (10 mg/kg). It was observed that the effect of chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea on alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, levels are comparable to that of those produced by the positive control.     

The antioxidant role of pterostilbene in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats

The antioxidant effect of pterostilbene on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats has been assessed. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione was significantly decreased in liver and kidney of diabetic animals when compared with normal control. There were significant improvements in these activities after treatment with pterostilbene at a dose of 40 mg kg(-1) for six weeks. The increased levels of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and kidney of diabetic rats were also normalized by treatment with pterostilbene. Chronic treatment of pterostilbene remarkably reduced the pathological changes observed in liver and kidney of diabetic rats. These results indicated the antioxidant property of pterostilbene.     

Antioxidant effect of Coscinium fenestratum in carbon tetrachloride treated rats

Antioxidant effect of methanol extract of Coscinium fenestratum stem powder was examined using carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rat liver as the experimental model. Hepatotoxic rats were treated with the methanol extract for 90 days (daily, orally at the dose of 60 mg/kg body weight). Lipid peroxidation in carbon tetrachloride-administered rats was evidenced by a marked elevation in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and diene conjugates, and also a profound diminution in glutathione content in the liver. Rats co-administered with the methanol extract retained an almost normal level of these constituents. The decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats, and its retrieval towards near-normalcy in the methanol extract co-administered animals revealed the effectiveness of Coscinium fenestratum in combating oxidative stress due to hepatic damage. The findings provide a rationale for further studies on isolation of active principles and its pharmacological evaluation.     

Antidiabetic effect of Punica granatum flowers: Effect on hyperlipidemia,pancreatic cells lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in experimental diabetes

The present study investigated the effects of Punica granatum aqueous extract (PgAq) on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats by measuring fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles (atherogenic index), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) to albino Wistar rats. The increase in blood glucose level, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), LPO level with decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reduced glutathione (GSH) content and antioxidant enzymes namely, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were the salient features observed in diabetic rats. On the other hand, oral administration of PgAq at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 21 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and tissue LPO levels coupled with elevation of HDL-C, GSH content and antioxidant enzymes in comparison with diabetic control group.