Antioxidant Properties of Polygala Chinensis L. Whole Plant on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Administration of ethanol extract of Polygala chinensis whole plant (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 14 days reduced the elevated level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). The treatment also resulted in significant increase in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum, liver and kidney. The results confirm the antioxidant activity of P. chinensis whole plant and suggest that because of its antioxidant effects its administration may be useful in controlling the diabetic complications in experimental diabetic rats. INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and glycosuria due to absolute or relative lack of insulin. Diabetes mellitus is considered a chronic disease, not yet curable by any known orthodox medicine . Oxidative stress generated by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidaemia is regarded as an important mediator of diabetic complications. The presence of free radicals and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defense mechanisms observed in diabetic complications . Oxidative stress may cause oxidative damage of cellular membranes and changes in the structural and functional integrity of subcelluar organelles and may produce effects that result in various complications in diabetic disease 3, . Alloxan has been proposed to act as a diabetogenic agent due to its ability to destruct pancreatic βislets cells, possibly by free radical mechanism. Diabetes represents a state of increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant reserve . Polygala chinensis L. belongs to Polygalaceae family. It is commonly known as “Siriyanangai”. Genus Polygala was traditionally used by Americans to treat snake bites 6 and as an expectorant to treat cough and bronchitis. Polygala is considered as a powerful tonic herb 7 that can help to develop the mind and aid to creative thinking. Taking into the consideration of the medicinal importance of Polygala, the present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of whole plant of Polygala chinensis in alloxan induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant Material: The whole plant of Polygala chinensis were freshly collected from the well grown healthy plants inhabiting the natural forests of Maruthamalai, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.