Peel extract of Trichosanthes dioica has the potential to ameliorate T4-induced thyrotoxicosis and hyperglycemia in mice

Abstract

Peels of the vegetables are usually considered as kitchen wastes. This view may not hold true for all types of vegetable peels. In this investigation, we have primarily tested the unknown potential of Trichosanthes dioica (T. dioica) peel extract in L-thyroxin (L-T4)-induced thyrotoxicosis and hyperglycemia. Swiss albino male mice were made thyrotoxic by injecting pre-standardized dose of L-thyroxin (L-T4) for 12 days and in them the effects of test peel extract at 25 and 50 mg/kg for 15 consecutive days were investigated. At the end of the experiment the levels of serum thyroxin (T4) and triidothyronine (T3), glucose and hepatic 5′-monodeiodinase I (5′D1) activity, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels were determined. L-T4 treatment significantly increased the levels of both the thyroid hormones and 5′DI activity. Hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly increased with a decrease in the levels of antioxidants. Serum glucose level was also found to be significantly elevated. However, administration of test peel extract in the thyrotoxic animals significantly decreased the thyroid hormones concentrations, serum glucose level, hepatic 5′D1 activity and hepatic LPO; but increased the levels of the antioxidants suggesting that the test peel extract has the potential to ameliorate thyrotoxicosis, hyperglycemia and peroxidative process. The peel extract’s antioxidant activity was further exhibited by its free radical, 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging abilities. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the test peel appeared to be associated to these beneficial effects.