The Effect of Bioactive Compounds of Prunus spinosa Leaves and Flowers Mixture on the Antioxidant Capacity in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a serious and chronic public health problem worldwide. Hyperglycemia leads to the production of free radicals thus impairing oxidant/antioxidant balance and causing various complications in diabetes. Herbs can pro- vide natural remedies against various diseases in traditional medicine. Phyto- chemicals especially phenolic compounds have some biological properties such as antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. Plant parts of Prunus spinosa are used in traditional medicine against various disorders. This study evaluated the mixture of Prunus spinosa leaves and flowers extract (PSE) on the antioxidant capacity in diabetes. The phenolic profile of PSE was determined by HPLC method. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated with radical scavenging activities as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content. Seven random groups (n = 8) of rats were constituted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity – control, diabetic, PSE25, PSE50, insulin, metformin, and acarbose. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were analyzed in the liver tissues. Chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid were found to be the main compound in the mixture of P. spinosa leaves and flowers extract. Antioxidant capacity of PSE exhibited effective radical scavenging activity. Although oxidative stress seriously increased in diabetes, PSE25 and PSE50 supplementation significantly recuperated liver antioxidant status. In conclusion, PSE markedly has antioxidant capacity through its high phenolic compounds, thus PSE treatment may have potential antioxidant effects for health benefits in diabetes.