Effect of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf extract on lipid profile and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract on lipid profile and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin(STZ,50mg·kg-1)intraperitoneally.Diabetic rats were divided into 5groups,consisting of 6rats.GroupⅠ,reserved as diabetic control,was administered distilled water and groupⅡ,reserved as positive control,was administered glibenclamide(10mg·kg-1·d-1)throughout the duration of the experiment.Those in groupⅢ,ⅣandⅤ were administered 250,500 and 1000mg·kg-1·d-1 of the extract,respectively for 28 d.RESULTS Treatment with 500 and 1000mg·kg-1·d-1 of the extract resulted in reduction of serum AST,ALT,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and LDL,whereas HDL was found to be increased compared with diabetic control rats(P<0.05).Moreover,increased serum activities of superoxide dismutases and catalase were found in diabetic rats treated with the extract whereas serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was decreased,in comparison with diabetic control rat(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Cymbopogon citratus Stapf water extract provides a benefit effect on serum lipid and antioxidant effect in diabetic rats.Thus,the extract may lower cardiovascular disease risk and others complications related to hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.