The Open Diabetes Journal

2009, 2 : 48-52
Published online 2009 July 14. DOI: 10.2174/1876524600902010048
Publisher ID: TODIAJ-2-48

Effect of Herbal Hypoglycemics on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Diabetic Rats

Sunila Vasi and Anoop Austin
Rumi Herbals R&D Centre, 6/15, Ohri Salai, Mugappair East, Chennai 600 037, India.

ABSTRACT

Antioxidative potential of four commonly used Indian medicinal plants Gymnema sylvestre, Salacia reticulata, Cassia auriculata and Eugenia jambolanum was screened for its antidiabetic activity by streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Lipid peroxide levels were also measured in normal, diabetic and treated animals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher and antioxidant activity was found low in diabetic groups as compared to the control groups, and significant alteration in both the MDA levels and antioxidant activity was also observed when the above herbal hypoglycemic agents were given to diabetic rats. The results confirm that the herbs were not only useful in controlling the lipid peroxide levels but are also helpful in further strengthening the antioxidant potential.

Keywords:

Free radicals, diabetes mellitus, antioxidants.