Verbenone and L-Arginine Attenuate Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Mice

Free radicals are produced in diabetes mellitus (DM), due to protein glycosylation and glucose autooxidation. However, plant compounds have been proven to be effective in managing DM and related conditions. This study evaluated the antioxidant effect of verbenone and L-arginine in diabetic mice. DM was induced in mice by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 60 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin and 120 mg/kg body weight of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The diabetic mice were treated afterwards with verbenone, L-arginine, and their ratios at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 days respectively. In the in vitro study, L-arginine expressed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, while verbenone and L-arginine expressed higher nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activities, especially at higher concentrations when compared with vitamin C. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of blood glucose, total protein, and malondialdehyde were significantly increased while the levels of reduced glutathione, nitrite, and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased in the diabetic untreated mice. However, these diabetes-induced alterations were reversed to normal levels after the administration of verbenone, L-arginine, and their ratio combinations at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, in silico studies revealed the antioxidant potential of both verbenone and L-arginine by their interaction with antioxidant proteins, expressing their potential antioxidant properties. The results of the study indicated that verbenone, L-arginine, and their ratio combination possess antioxidant properties and attenuate oxidative stress in diabetic mice.