Indian herbs result in hypoglycemic responses in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of selected Indian herbal hypoglycemic agents on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of aqueous extracts of Momordica charantia, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum sanctum led to marked lowering of blood sugar level in diabetic rats. Free radical–induced lipid peroxidation is associated with numerous disease processes, including diabetes mellitus. Our results revealed an increased level of plasma lipid peroxide associated with diminution of the corresponding antioxidant enzymes in red blood cells, namely, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase after marked depletion of glutathione in diabetic rats. Treatment with herbal hypoglycemic agents, that is, M charantia, A sativum, A indica, and O sanctum, not only inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation but also significantly reactivated the antioxidant enzymes and restored glutathione levels in the rat model. We conclude that the herbal plants tested possess both antidiabetic and antioxidative activities and that their proper use in diet may help decrease the oxidative load in diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, these herbs might help in minimizing diabetic-related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy.