The Citrullus Colocynthis pulp antioxidant activity on oxidative stress factors of liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder and it is estimated that its annual incidence rate will continue to increase in the future worldwide. Increased oxidant factors and decreased antioxidant defense are two of the factors resulting in diabetes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate Citrullus Colocynthis pulp effects on oxidant and antioxidant factors of liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups eight each: N (normal) group, N+C group, D (diabetic) group, and D+C group. Groups N and D received normal saline 2ml orally for 2 weeks and Groups N+C and D+C received 10mg/kg Citrullus Colocynthis pulp orally for 2 weeks. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 65 mg/kg. Results: Diabetic group had a significant increase in H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide), MDA (malondialdehyde) and CAT (catalase) activity and a significant decrease in POD (peroxidase) activity in liver tissues compared to N and D groups. Group D+C had a significant decrease in H2O2, MDA, and CAT concentrations in liver tissues and significant increase in POD activity in liver tissues compared to D group. Conclusion: These results suggest that treatment of diabetic rats with Citrullus colocynthis pulp decreased oxidant stress and support antioxidant defense in liver STZ-Induced diabetic rats.