Protective effects of Dorema aucheri hydroalcoholic extract on antioxidant system and oxidative damage of pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background. The hydroalcoholic extract of Dorema aucheri (DA), as a medicinal plant, has powerful antioxidant properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the protective effects of DA hydroalcoholic extract against oxidative damage of pancreas by potentiation of the antioxidant capacity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods. The experiment was performed in four groups of male Wistar rats (n=6 for each group), including normal rats, normal rats treated with DA, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with DA. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) at the beginning of the study. Treatment groups orally received hydroalcoholic extract of DA at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day by gavage. After two months, the contents of glutathione (GSH), NOx (nitrite and nitrate), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were assessed by biochemical methods. Results. The administration of DA extract decreased blood glucose level in diabetic rats by 17%. The MDA content of the pancreas significantly increased in diabetic rats by 92%. Diabetes also decreased the content of GSH (56%) and SOD (68%) activity of the pancreas. Treatment with DA extract noticeably decreased the MDA (86%) levels in diabetic pancreas. Moreover, DA extract significantly improved the GSH content (35%) and SOD activity (68%) of the pancreas in treated diabetic rats, as well as histopathological changes and NOx content. Moreover, DA extract significantly decreased the glutathione content of the pancreas in normal rats. Conclusion. Our findings revealed that hydroalcoholic extract of DA was able to improve the uncontrolled hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage of the pancreas through potentiation of the antioxidant defense system accompanied by partial improvement of blood glucose. Practical Implications. The DA extract can be used as a valuable compound for reducing blood glucose in diabetic patients. Additionally, it can prevent diabetic complications in these people.