Influence of different extracts from persimmon leaves on the antioxidant activity in diabetic mice

Abstract

To investigate the antioxidant effect of different solvent extracts from persimmon leaves (PL) in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The total ethanol-extracted fraction of PL was further extracted with chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, in that order, the residues after ethanol extraction were water-extracted and alcohol-precipitated, and concentrated. The hypoglycemic effects of different solvents extracts from PL were evaluated in diabetic mice induced by STZ. The experimental mice were randomly divided into groups: control group, model group, glibenclamide group, low and high dosage groups of the various solvent extracts. The drugs were administrated to mice in every morning for 15 days. During this time period, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. The water-extracted and ethanol-precipitated fractions and the ethyl acetate-extracted fraction markedly reduced the content of MDA and increased the activity of SOD in the livers of STZ-induced diabetic mice (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The chloroform-extracted and n-butanol-extracted fraction did not markedly reduce the content of MDA nor increase the activity of SOD in liver of STZ-induced diabetic mice (P>0.05). The ethyl acetate-extracted fraction, water-extracted and ethanol-precipitated fraction of persimmon leaves have potential value in the treatment of diabetes. The mechanism of action of the antioxidant is related to the hypoglycemic effects of extracts from persimmon leaves.