DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i04.022

Pages: 301-303

To determine the effect of antioxidant properties of two African herb extract on Streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar albino rats by evaluation of the reduced glutathione (GSH) level pre and post treatment with the extract compared with a known antidiabetic drug Daonil. Induction of diabetes was actualized through the intraperitoneal injection of 70mg/kg body weight of Streptozotocin dissolved in 1m citrate buffer, pH 4.5 twice daily for 2 days. A total of 102 rats were used among those that have attained and exceeded glucose threshold (>10.0 mmol/l) 2 weeks after Streptozotocin induction. Reduced GSH was determined spectrophotometrically. Data was analysed by one way and two analysis of variance. In vivo effect of the herb extract on GSH levels show there is a corresponding relationship between the degree of diabetes and GSH. Levels of GSH decreased with increase in the severity of diabetes. The extracts improved GSH levels in the rats and were concentration and time dependent with Tapinanthus bengwensis showing greater antioxidant properties. Reduced GSH is a reductant involved in maintaining the redox status of erythrocytes and other cells. Reduced concentration of GSH would mean an exposure of the cells to free radicals/antioxidants and thus to oxidant damage with accompanying complications such as haemolysis. The marked elevation of GSH shown with rats treated with Tapinanthus bengwensis indicates possible capacity of this extract as possessing high antioxidant property which could be very useful for management of patient with diabetes mellitus.