Ameliorative extract Syzygium cumini seed extract on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar albino rats

Aim: This study intends to examine the protective effects of an aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini seed on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Methodology: A single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg kg-1 b.wt of alloxan monohydrate was used to induce diabetes in rats. Syzygium cumini group rats were later administered 300 mg kg-1 of Syzygium cumini seed extract by oral gavage for 21 days. On 22nd day, the animals were given general anaesthesia, blood was drawn through the retroorbital plexus, and the kidneys were promptly removed. Lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in the blood (serum) and kidney tissues by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, GPX, SOD and CAT were examined in the blood and kidneys. Results: The acute toxicity experiments revealed that Syzygium cumini did not cause any obvious toxicity indications or mortality at a dosage of 300 mg kg-1, proving the safety of this extract with a broad therapeutic index. The results obtained showed that using aqueous Syzygium cumini seed extract for 21 days considerably (P <0.05) increased the antioxidant enzyme activity for GST, GPx, SOD and CAT, while significantly (P <0.01) decreasing the TBARS levels. Interpretation: Conclusively, the seed extract of Syzygium cumini might be a possible treatment for controlling hyperglycemic oxidative stress complications owing to its antioxidant properties. Key words: Albino rats, Antioxidant enzymes, Lipid peroxidation, Syzygium cumini, Seed extract