Stress In Albino Rats Research Articles

Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of Lepidium sativum seed powder in albino rats treated with 5-fluorouracil

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of solid tumors. Cardiotoxicity is a major complication of 5-FU therapy. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective potency of Lepidium sativum seed powder (LS) against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats. The rats were divided into three groups. Rats in the control group received saline daily for 8 days only. Rats in FU-treated group received saline orally for 8 days, then I.P. injected with 5-FU (150 mg\\kg B.W) on the 5th day. Rats in LS-treated group were orally dosed with LS (550 mg\\kg B.W\\day) for 8 days, and on the 5th day rats were administrated with the same previous dose of 5-FU. 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity was assessed by a significant increase in serum concentrations of cTnI, CK-MB, lipid profile and a moderate elevation of cardiac MDA. 5-FU significantly decreased serum HDL-c and GSH concentration in cardiac homogenate. Its administration also resulted in the release of some inflammatory markers such as myeloperoxidase and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). All 5-FU altered parameters were markedly ameliorated by LS pre-co-post-treatment. Results of the present study suggest that LS has a significant effect on the protection of the heart against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity through maintaining the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Folic acid ameliorates L-thyroxin induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.

Thyroid hormones have been known to regulate the energy metabolism of most tissues including liver. Alterations in their normal levels cause some biochemical and clinical abnormalities such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The present study evaluated the effect of thyroid hormone, L-thyroxin on liver of albino rats. Additionally the ameliorating role of folic acid supplementation was investigated. Fifty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (group I, control; group II, folic acid; group III, L-thyroxin sodium administration (100 μg/kg / body weight); group IV, L-thyroxin and folic acid group and V, recovery group). The results showed that there were a significant increase in ALT, AST, MDA and nitric oxide in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. On the other hand, a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. Histological results showed that liver sections of L-thyroxin group showed histopathological lesions such as leucocytic infiltrations, congestion of central and portal veins and cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes with the presence of pyknotic nuclei, in addition to fatty infiltration. Immunohistochemical results revealed that strong positive expression of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were detected in the liver section in L-thyroxin treated rats and recovered rats as compared to control and folic acid groups. However; mild to moderate positive expressions of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were observed in rats treated with L-thyroxin and folic acid in liver section. This reflects oxidative stress associated with hyperthyroid state.

Alteration in Memory and Electroencephalogram Waves with Sub-acute Noise Stress in Albino Rats and Safeguarded by Scoparia dulcis.

Background:Noise stress has different effects on memory and novelty and the link between them with an electroencephalogram (EEG) has not yet been reported.Objective:To find the effect of sub-acute noise stress on the memory and novelty along with EEG and neurotransmitter changes.Materials and Methods:Eight-arm maze (EAM) and Y-maze to analyze the memory and novelty by novel object test. Four groups of rats were used: Control, control treated with Scoparia dulcis extract, noise exposed, and noise exposed which received Scoparia extract.Results:The results showed no marked difference observed between control and control treated with Scoparia extract on EAM, Y-maze, novel object test, and EEG in both prefrontal and occipital region, however, noise stress exposed rats showed significant increase in the reference memory and working memory error in EAM and latency delay, triad errors in Y-maze, and prefrontal and occipital EEG frequency rate with the corresponding increase in plasma corticosterone and epinephrine, and significant reduction in the novelty test, and significant reduction in the novelty test, amplitude of prefrontal, occipital EEG, and acetylcholine.Conclusion:These noise stress induced changes in EAM, Y-maze, novel object test, and neurotransmitters were significantly prevented when treated with Scoparia extract and these changes may be due to the normalizing action of Scoparia extract on the brain, which altered due to noise stress.SUMMARY Noise stress exposure causes EEG, behavior, and neurotransmitter alteration in the frontoparietal and occipital regions mainly involved in planning and recognition memoryOnly the noise stress exposed animals showed the significant alteration in the EEG, behavior, and neurotransmittersHowever, these noise stress induced changes in EEG behavior and neurotransmitters were significantly prevented when treated with Scoparia extractThese changes may be due to the normalizing action of Scoparia dulcis (adoptogen) on the brain which altered by noise stress. Abbreviations used: EEG: Electroencephalogram, dB: Decibel, EPI: Epinephrine, ACH: Acetylcholine, EAM: Eight-arm maze

Selenium ameliorates carbimazole induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in Albino rats

Selenium ameliorates carbimazole induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in Albino rats

Phytochemical screening and protective effects of Trifolium alexandrinum (L.) against free radical-induced stress in rats.

Trifolium alexandrinum is traditionally used in various human ailments, including renal dysfunctions. The present experiment was designed to investigate antioxidant and nephroprotective effect of T. alexandrinum methanolic extract (TAME) against CCl4-induced oxidative stress in albino rats. Results of in vitro study revealed significant (P < 0.05) antioxidant effects. The ameliorative role of TAME was also examined by investigating the level of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), nonenzymatic antioxidant viz; reduced glutathione contents (GSH) and lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in the renal tissue homogenate in CCl4-treated rats. The intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg b.w. CCl4 caused a significant depletion in the activity antioxidant enzymes and increased the TBARS contents. Supplementation of TAME at 200 mg/kg b.w. for 2 weeks significantly improved activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced TBARS formation. Co-treatment of TAME also presented significant protection in maintaining renal urine and serum markers. Antioxidant and nephroprotective effects of TAME are associated with its polyphenolic constituents.

Ameliorative effect of pumpkin oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) against alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective role of pumpkin oil on experimental alcohol – induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methodsRats are divided into three groups of 10 animals each. Group one (G1) was the control group is orally given distilled water for 4 weeks. Group two (G2) is given absolute ethyl alcohol (10%) in drinking water for 4 weeks. Group three (G3) alcohol– administered rats were pretreated with pumpkin oil (50 mg/kg body weight) three times per week for three weeks and alcohol (10%) three times per week (at the first two weeks of the experiment). ResultsAlcohol caused a marked rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT) activities. Concerning oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system, the depleted hepatic glutathione content, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase activities of alcohol-administered rats were potentially increased above normal levels as a result of pretreatment with pumpkin oil. However, while elevated lipid peroxidation was noticed in alcohol treated rats, pretreatment with pumpkin oil produced a detectable decrease in lipid peroxidation level. ConclusionThe natural plant components found in pumpkin could improve the liver against alcohol-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress. However, further clinical studies are required to assess the safety and benefits of pumpkin oil in human beings.

Protective effect of Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link. against CCl4 induced oxidative stress in albino rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceActiniopteris radiata is a herb with great medicinal value and is evaluated for hepatoprotective activity. To investigate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Actiniopteris radiata (EEAR) on CCl4 induced oxidative stress in male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methodsEEAR were administered for 8 consecutive weeks to rats. Group I – control; Group II – toxin control (30% CCl4); Group III and Group IV received EEAR (250 and 500mg/kg respectively). Antioxidant status in liver were estimated by determining the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); as well as by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, isoenzyme pattern and mRNA expression of the antioxidants were studied. Partial characterization of EEAR was performed by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). ResultsCCl4 induced oxidative stress as evidenced from increase in LPO along with reduction of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH. Treatment with EEAR (250 and 500mg/kg) mitigated the CCl4 induced oxidative stress. An analysis of the isozyme pattern of these antioxidant enzymes revealed variations in SOD2, CAT, GPx2 and GPx3 in CCl4 treated rats, which were normalized after EEAR treatment. Furthermore, expression of genes for the antioxidant enzymes, were down-regulated by CCl4 treatment, which were reversed by EEAR. The results of partial characterization of EEAR by LC–MS revealed the presence of rutin and other 7 unknown phenolic derivatives. ConclusionsThese findings suggest the protective effect of EEAR against CCl4 induced oxidative stress might be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Effect of vitamin C on male fertility in rats subjected to forced swimming stress.

Stress is defined as a general body response to initially threatening external or internal demands, involving the mobilization of physiological and psychological resources to deal with them. Recently, oxidative stress has become the focus of interest as a potential cause of male infertility. Normally, equilibrium exists between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant scavenging activities in the male reproductive organs. The ascorbic acid is a known antioxidant present in the testis with the precise role of protecting the latter from the oxidative damage. It also contributes to the support of spermatogensis at least in part through its capacity to maintain antioxidant in an active state. Group1: Normal Control animal received Distilled water, Group 2: Positive control (Only Stress), Group 3: Normal rats received an intermediate dose of Vitamin C (20mg/kg/day), Group 4: Stress + Low dose Vitamin C (10mg/kg/day), Group 5: Stress+ Intermediate dose Vitamin C (20mg/kg/day), Group 6: High dose Vitamin C (30mg/kg/day). On 16(th) day effect of stress on body weight, Reproductive organ weight, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay was studied. In the present context, in stress group the sperm count, motility, testicular weight declined significantly. The intermediate dose and high dose of vitamin C showed significantly increased effect on the sperm count and motility. Various physiological changes produced force swimming indicates that swimming is an effective model for producing stress in albino rats. The results suggest that Vitamin C supplementation improves the stress induced reproductive infertility due to both their testosterone increase effect and their antioxidant effect.

Antioxidant Activity of Coated Probiotic Lactobacillus casei on Chromium(VI) Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

Experimental study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of sodium alginate coated probiotic Lactobacillus casei against chromium (VI)-induced oxidative stress in albino rats. Administration of chromium (Cr) VI significantly (p < 0.05) increased the peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls along with significant (p < 0.05) decrease in antioxidant markers such as super oxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in liver and kidney homogenates. Chromium also caused a significant (p < 0.05) alteration in hepatic and renal functional markers in serum viz., total protein, alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Prominent pathological changes observed in liver were vascular congestion, degenerative changes, dilatation of sinusoids and mononuclear cell infiltration, while the kidney showed degeneration of tubular epithelial cells, cystic dilatation of tubules and hyaline casts. Co-administration of coated probiotic L. casei strain 17 reversed the Cr-induced changes.

Ameliorative effect of curcumin on fluoxetine-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male albino rats

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and mood disorders. Curcumin, the major active ingredient of turmeric (Curcuma longa), showed many pharmacological effects and is known for its potent antioxidant capacity. The present work aims to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of curcumin on fluoxetine-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats. Histological examination of testis of fluoxetine-treated rats revealed degeneration of spermatogenic cells, congestion of blood vessels and destruction of Leydig cells. In addition, speramatogenesis was inhibited as indicated by the decrease of the number of different spermatogenic cells. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules and heights of their germinal epithelium were significantly reduced. Moreover, significant higher numbers of Bax-positive Leydig cells were recorded. Testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and glutathione (GSH) were decreased while malondialdehyde were increased in sera of fluoxetine-treated animals. Treating animals with fluoxetine followed by curcumin revealed an improvement in the histological changes observed in animals treated with fluoxetine. Moreover, curcumin treatment leads to decrease in the number of Bax-positive cells, increase in testosterone, LH, GSH, and decrease of lipid peroxidation. According to the present results, it can be concluded that combined treatment with fluoxetine and curcumin can improve the testicular abnormalities induced by fluoxetine. This effect of curcumin may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Influence of vibration-induced stress on functional-metabolic status of blood leukocytes

The chronic stress in albino rats caused by exposure to the whole-body vibration induced the significant changes in the functional-metabolic status of the blood cells. It involved the phagocytosis level and the lysosomal cationic proteins in the neutrophils, oxidative and hydrolytic processes in the neutrophils and lymphocytes. All the determined intracellular parameters revealed the differentiated response to stress as well as to the additive combined administration of the antioxidants (glycine and alpha-tocopherol acetate).

Anti-convulsant action and amelioration of oxidative stress by Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract in pentylenetetrazole- induced seizure in albino rats

Objectives:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-convulsant potential of aqueous and ethanol e xtract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (AEGG and EEGG) and its action on markers of oxidant stress in albino rats.Materials and Methods:The aqueous and ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra was tested at three doses viz. 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg i.p. for its anti-convulsant activity using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in rat. The effect of EEGG (400 mg/kg, i.p.) on oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) of rat brain tissue homogenate was tested.Results:The onset of seizure was delayed (P < 0.01) by all the three doses of EEGG, but the duration of convulsion was reduced (P < 0.01) only in higher dose level (200 and 400 mg/ kg), whereas AEGG up to 400 mg/kg did not alter any of the parameters significantly. Biochemical analysis of rat brain tissue revealed that MDA was increased (P < 0.01), whereas SOD and CAT were decreased (P < 0.01) in PTZ-induced seizure rat, whereas pre-treatment with EEGG (400 mg/kg) decreased (P < 0.01) the MDA and increased (P < 0.01) both SOD and CAT, indicating attenuation of lipid peroxidation due to increase in antioxidant enzymes.Conclusion:The results demonstrated that EEGG poses anti-convulsant potential and ameliorates ROS induced neuronal damage in PTZ-induced seizure.

Carbendazim-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in albino rats: ameliorative effect of licorice aqueous extract

Carbendazim is a broad spectrum carbamate fungicide used in the control of various fungal pathogens. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the widely used medicinal plants in oriental nations. The present work studied the effect of licorice aqueous extract on carbendazim-induced testicular toxicity in albino rats. Administration of carbendazim induced significant decrease in testis weight, diameter, and germinal epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules. Histological results revealed degeneration of seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenic cells, and apoptosis. Moreover, carbendazim caused elevation of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), marker of lipid peroxidation, and reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Coadministration of licorice extract with carbendazim improved the histomorphological and histopathological changes observed in animals treated with carbendazim. In addition, licorice treatment leads to a significant decrease in the level of MDA and increase in the activities of SOD and CAT. According to the present results, it is concluded that licorice aqueous extract can improve the testicular toxicity of carbendazim and this effect may be attributed to antioxidant properties of one or more of its constituents.

α-Tocopherol ameliorates nickel induced testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in albino rats

Heavy metals generate free radicals and induce oxidative and nitrosative stress with depletion of antioxidants. In this study, we have evaluated the beneficial effects of α-tocopherol against nickel sulfate exposed testicular dysfunction. We studied the effect of supplementation of α-tocopherol (10 mg/100 g body weight, i.m.) on nickel sulfate (2.0 mg/100 g body weight, i.p.) induced testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in Wister strain male albino rats. Serum and testicular nitric oxide, L-ascorbic acid and serum α-tocopherol concentrations were evaluated. We also evaluated sperm count, motility and histopathology of testes. Nickel treated rats showed significantly decreased body weight, testicular somatic index, sperm count, sperm motility, serum and testicular L-ascorbic acid concentration and serum α-tocopherol level as compared to their controls. However, simultaneous treatment with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol produced a remarkable improvement of all the above parameters when compared with treatment with nickel alone. Nickel treated rats also had significantly increased serum and testicular nitric oxide concentrations as compared to their controls. However, simultaneous treatment with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol significantly decreased nitric oxide concentrations in both serum and testes, respectively, as compared to nickel treatment alone. Histopathology of the testes revealed tortuous seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenesis process (>75%), congestion and necrosis in nickel sulfate treated rats, whereas rats simultaneously treated with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol had almost normal seminiferous tubules and near normal spermatogenesis as compared to nickel alone treated rats. Nickel sulfate treatment causes testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in albino rats, but simultaneous supplementation of α-tocopherol was found to be beneficial in combating against such stresses.

Effect of leave extract of Ocimum basilicum on deltamethrin induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats

Deltamethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used extensively in pest control. On the other hand it showed different toxicity in mammalian animals. Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant which showed many pharmacological effects. The present work studied the potential protective effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on deltamethrin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Treating animals with deltamethrin induced several histopathological alterations in the kidney. The renal tubules lost their characteristic appearance and their lining epithelial cells were degenerated. The glomeruli were atrophied and the renal blood vessels were dilated and congested. The intertubular spaces were infiltrated by inflammatory leucocytic cells. Marked elevation in serum creatinine and urea was recorded. Moreover, deltamethrin increased significantly the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in renal tissue. Treating animals with deltamethrin and aqueous extract of basil led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations induced by deltamethrin. The biochemical results showed that creatinine and urea appeared within normal level. Reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and increase in the activities of SOD and CAT was recorded. It was concluded from this study that basil aqueous extract has a beneficial impact on deltamethrininduced nephrotoxicity in albino rats by its antioxidant effect.

Vascular and Cardiac Effects of Stress in Albino Rats of Different Sex and Age Groups

Stress exposure induced similar cardiac effects in male and female infantile rats, but vascular reactions to stress in males were more pronounced than in females. In mature male rats (but not in females), both cardiac and vascular responses to stress decreased in comparison with infantile animals. In adult rats, cardiac effects of stress were more pronounced than the vascular response; females demonstrated greater cardiac response and less significant vascular reactions than males. Aging was accompanied by a decrease in the cardiac response and increase in the vascular reaction to stress. These changes were more significant in females than in males. In contrast to infantile and adult animals, old females demonstrated greater vascular response to stress than male rats. The observed sex-dependent changes in the ontogeny of vascular and cardiac response to stress are discussed in light of sex- and age-related peculiarities of hypertension development.

Effect of Grape Seeds Powder on the Level of Some Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation of White Male Albino Rats Exposed to Oxidative Stress

The present study included the investigation of the effect of grape seeds powder Vitis vinifera in preventing oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 at a concentration 0.5 % given with consumed drinking water in male albino rats Rattus norvegicus aged 2.5 – 3 months. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (5 rats/group) and the rats were treated with forage to which grape seeds powder were added at different concentrations 200, 400, 600 mg/kg. B. Wt. of grape seeds powder daily for eight weeks. The results showed that treatment with 0.5% H2O2 caused a significant increase in malondialdhyde (MDA), bilirubin and uric acid level and a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH), albumin level and the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum of treated rats compared with control group, also the above changes indicating the ability of H2O2 to induce the oxidative stress in albino rats. The results also showed that treatment with grape seeds powder caused a significant decrease in MDA, bilirubin and uric acid level and a significant increase in GSH, albumin level and the activity of SOD compared with control. The results also showed the decrease and increase were more prominent in rats treated with 600 mg /kg. B. Wt. of grape seeds powder, these results indicate the protective effect of grape seeds powder against oxidative stress.

Effect of acute and chronic stress on leucocyte count: modulation by chlordiazepoxide

Total and differential leucocyte count (TLC and DLC) in blood circulation influence humoral immune response and stress alters TLC and DLC by leucocyte misdistribution. Chlordiazepoxide, a widely used benzodiazepine anti-stress agent, is reported to reverse suppression of antibody response induced by acute stress but not by chronic stress. The effect of chlordiazepoxide on the changes in leucocyte count by acute and chronic stress has not been clearly defined. We examined the effect of restraint stress (1 h/day) for 6, 10, 14 and 21 days on TLC and DLC and their modulation by chlordiazepoxide pretreatment (10 mg/kg/day) 1 h before exposure to stress in albino rats. Acute stress, i.e. restraint stress (1 h/day) for 6 and 10 days with or with out chlordiazepoxide pretreatment did not alter TLC and DLC. Chronic stress, i.e. restraint stress (1 h/day) for 14 and 21 days significantly decreased TLC and the percentage of lymphocytes in comparison to control. Pretreatment with chlordiazepoxide reversed these changes. We conclude that chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine, reverses changes in TLC and DLC probably by improving chronic stress-induced leucocytes misdistribution.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Rosa damascena Mill. on Acetaminophen-Induced Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats

Rosa damascena (RD) is a widely cultivated ornamental plant. It acts as an astringent, aperients, carminative, and refrigerant and is used in respiratory disorders, tonsillitis, eye disorders, migraines, gynecological disorders, and menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of RD flowers at different oral dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) on acetaminophen (2 g/kg oral N-acetyl-p-aminophenol [APAP])-induced toxicity in rats. APAP administration altered various biochemical parameters, including serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, bilirubin, urea and creatinine, hepatic lipid peroxidation, and reduced glutathione levels. Adenosine triphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver was decreased significantly in animals treated with APAP. These values are retrieved significantly by treatment with RD extract at all 3 doses in dose-dependant manner. Apart from these, histopathological changes also reveal the protective nature of the RD extract against acetaminophen-induced necrotic damage of hepatic tissues. In conclusion, these data suggest that the aqueous extract of RD may prevent hepatic damage from APAP-induced toxicity in rats and is likely to be mediated through its antioxidant activities.

Amaranthus spinosus L. (Amaranthaceae) leaf extract attenuates streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetes and oxidative stress in albino rats: A histopathological analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible antidiabetic effects of Amaranthus spinosus leaf extract (ASEt) against streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetes & oxidative stress in albino rats. MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg) administered by intraperitoneal way after the administration of nicotinamide (120mg/kg). The oxidative stress was measured by reduced glutathione (GSH) content and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and kidney. Biochemical observations were further substantiated with histological examination of pancreas, kidney and liver. ResultsThe increase in blood glucose with the decrease in GSH content and in enzymatic activities were the salient features observed in diabetic rats. Administration of ASEt (250 & 500 mg/kg bw/day, i.p) for 21 days caused a significant reduction in blood glucose in STZ-nicotinamide treated rats when compared with diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetic rats treated with ASEt leaf extract showed a significant increase in the activities of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants when compared to those of diabetic rats. Degenerative changes of pancreatic cells in STZ treated rats were minimized to near normal morphology by administration of ASEt leaf extract as evidenced by histopathological examination. ConclusionResults clearly indicate that Amaranthus spinosus treatment attenuate hyperglycemia by decreasing oxidative stress and pancreatic cells damage which may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.