Aqueous extract of <i>Ficus religiosa</i> Linn. reduces oxidative stress in experimentally induced type 2 diabetic rats

Abstract

One of the major etiologies in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes especially complications is oxidative stress. Aqueous extract of <i style="">Ficus religiosa</i> at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally decreased the fasting blood glucose in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats. The drug had enzyme induction effect with respect to catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, however decreased the exaggerated activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in type 2 diabetic rats. <i style="">F. religiosa</i> modulated the enzymes of antioxidant defence system to combat oxidative stress. As a result, glutathione (GSH-reduced form) was restored and inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde. Drug at higher dose (200 mg/kg) had more pronounced effect. <i style="">F. religiosa</i>, a rasayana group of plant drug having anti-diabetic activity along with antioxidant potential was beneficial in treatment of type 2 diabetes.