Effect of Helicteres isora Bark Extracts on Brain Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

The current study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of Helicteres isora L (Sterculiaceae) bark on oxidative stress in the brains of rats during diabetes. The aqueous extract of H. isora bark was administered orally (100, 200mg=kg b.w.) and the effect of the extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Tolbutamide was used as the standard reference drug. A significant increase in the activities of plasma insulin, SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH were observed in the brain on treatment with 100 and 200mg=kg b.w. of H. isora bark extract (HIBe) and tolbutamide for 5 weeks. Both treated groups (bark extract and drug) showed a significant decrease in TBARS and hydroperoxides formation in brain, suggesting its role in protection against lipid peroxidation–induced membrane damage. These findings suggest a possible antiperoxidative role of H. isora bark extract that may be used for therapeutic purposes.