Antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Swietenia mahagoni in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT

Swietenia mahagoni L. Jacq. (Meliaceae) is a medium to large evergreen tree native to Southern Florida, Cuba, The Bahamas, Hispaniola, and Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of S. mahagoni bark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the antidiabetic activity of the methanol extract of S. mahagoni (MESM) bark in streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats was evaluated. Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg; orally) was taken as the reference drug. The blood glucose levels and body weights were measured every 5th day over a period of 15 days. Antioxidant effects were assayed in diabetic rats by estimating thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Oral administration of MESM at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b.w. resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Body weights were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats when compared to normal rats, while the extract significantly restored body weight. The present study was further undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant activity of MESM in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Decreased levels of TBARS and increased levels of GSH and CAT activity indicated a reduction in free radical formation in tissues such as the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

These findings showed the significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of the extract (MESM) in diabetic rats.