Effects of Harungana madagascariensis Stem Bark Extract on the Antioxidant Markers in Alloxan Induced Diabetic and Carrageenan Induced Inflammatory Disorders in Rats

Abstract

The complimentary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Harungana madagascariensis stem-bark ethanolic extract on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) markers induced in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and carrageenan-induced oedema were examined. The study was carried out on normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Oedema was induced by injecting 0.1mL of 1% carrageenan suspension in the right hind paw of rats. The Glutathione (GSH), Lipid peroxidation, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) were estimated by standard spectrophotometric methods, while the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using plethysmometer. The antioxidant activity was estimated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) photometric assay techniques. Administration of ethanolic extract of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark was found to reduce glucose level in diabetic animals and oedema size formation in the right hind paw of rats. Radical scavenging capacity was exhibited by increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) and a decrease in the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (in vivo) and against DPPH (in-vitro). The antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant extract could be complementary by reducing the high levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, which have been associated with the diabetic condition. These could possibly explain the ways the plant produce its effects against diabetic conditions.