Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of hydroalcoholic extract of moringa oleifera leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study aimed to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of 70% ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLEt) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.wt.). The diabetic rats were administered orally with MOLEt at three different doses (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt./day) for 60 days. The results were compared with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.wt./day) treated rats. The streptozotocin treated control rats showed a significant increase in fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with a concomitant decrease in serum insulin level and glycogen content in liver. Moreover, the levels of lipid peroxide (TBARS) in pancreatic tissue were significantly increased with a concurrent decline in antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH and ascorbic acid). The histopathological picture of the pancreatic islets showed degenerative and atrophic changes. Oral administration of MOLEt (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt./day) or glibenclamide for 60 days showed significant reduction in blood glucose and HbA1c levels and an elevation in serum insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. The extract treatment also reduced TBARS levels and improved the levels of antioxidant markers in the pancreas. The histomorphological picture of pancreas in MOLEt treated diabetic rats showed marked sign of amelioration. These results were comparable to reference drug, glibenclamide. The results of present study showed that MOLEt posseses significant antidiabetic and antioxidant activities.