Abstract
This study evaluates the ameliorative potential of Rheum spiciformis methanolic (RS-MeOH)
extract in reducing oxidative stress and hyperglycemia in albino rats along with characterization
of possible therapeutic compound(s). Groups treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw plant
extract (RS-MeOH ) decrease blood glucose levels from 359.9±8.2 to 209.5±8.5 mg/dl
(50 mg/kg bw) and 354.7±13.3 to 162.5±7.4 mg/dl (100 mg/kg bw) on the 0th and 14th day (P<0.001) respectively. This reduction in blood glucose was significant as compared
to glibenclamide (20 mg/dl) which reduced glucose levels from 297.7±11.39 to 132.9±8.74 mg/dl
on 0th and 14th day respectively. Biochemical parameters triglycerdies, cholesterol, low density
lipoprotein (LDL) and creatinine were also reduced in a dose dependent manner. Liver
marker enzymes were positively modulated by administration of RS-MeOH (P<0.001). Antioxidant
enzyme profile showed an enhanced/better pattern after the administration of RS-MeOH
extracts for reduced glutathione, reduced glutathione (GR), glutathione peroxidase
(GPx), glutathione–S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both liver
and pancreas. Moreover pancreatic histopathology reports revealed β-cell restorative
effects with RS-MeOH, thereby potentiating its role in improving blood glucose levels.
RS-MeOH purification and isolation studies involving GC-MS and NMR techniques revealed
presence of emodin type compounds in RS-MeOH. Overall Rheum spiciformis showed ameliorative
action on oxidative stress and hyperglycemia, however further studies to explore the
mechanism of action of possible therapeutic compound in invivo clinical trials will
prove beneficial for the advancement of new oral antidiabetic drug.
Key words
Anti-hyperglycemic - oxidative stress - GC-MS - NMR - Glutathione, antioxidant enzymes
