ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF FICUS EXASPERATA ROOT IN STREPTOZOTOCIN NICOTINAMIDE INDUCED TYPE 2 DIABETES
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with relative or absolute insulin deficiency or resistance, characterized by hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Ficus exasperata root has been traditionally used to treat various diseases including diabetes.
Objective: To investigate the antioxidant effects of methanol extract of Ficus exasperata root in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetes in wistar Rats.
Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats using streptozotocin and nicotinamide (STZ-NAD). Diabetic Rats were treated with methanol extract of Ficus exasperata root at doses 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg and metformin 500 mg/kg for 14 days. Two control groups were also included (diabetic untreated control and healthy control). Blood glucose levels and body weights of each rat were taken on days 0, 7 and 14. On the 15th day, the animals were sacrificed, followed by the collection of blood and harvest of the organs (liver and kidney) from the animals. The blood glucose level and antioxidant assays (Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Glutathione-s-transferase (GST)) were evaluated in the liver and kidney.
Results: STZ-NAD significantly increased the blood glucose level and LPO of the Rats when compared with the healthy control while treatment with the extract and metformin significantly decreased blood glucose levels and LPO when compared with the diabetic control. In addition, the extract significantly increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH and GST) when compared with the diabetic control.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of Ficus exasperata root exhibits antioxidant properties, improving antioxidant defenses in type 2 diabetic rats. This study suggests its potential as an adjunct therapy for managing oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Ficus exasperata, type 2 diabetes, antioxidant, oxidative stress, streptozotocin-nicotinamide.
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