Antidiabetic
Activity of Aegle Marmelos and its Relationship with its
Antioxidant Properties
M. C. Sabu and Ramadasan Kuttan*
Amala Cancer Research Centre,
Amala Nagar,
Thrissur – 680 553
( Received on April 24, 2003 )
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Abstract
Oxidative stress induced by alloxan has been shown
to damage pancreatic b-cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats.
Aegle marmelos leaf extract is being used in Ayurveda as a medicine
for diabetes. The present study examined the action of Aegle marmelos
against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential
of the drug. A methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos was found
to reduce blood sugar in alloxan diabetic rats. Reduction in blood
sugar could be seen from 6th day after continuous administration
of the extract and on 12th day sugar levels were found to be reduced
by 54%. Oxidative stress produced by alloxan was found to be significantly
lowered by the administration of Aegle marmelos extract. This
was evident from a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation,
conjugated diene and hydroperoxide levels in serum as well as
in liver induced by alloxan. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase
activity in blood and liver were found to be increased from 9th
day onwards after drug administration. Superoxide dismutase and
glutathione levels were found to be increased only on 12th day.
These results indicate that Aegle marmelos extract effectively
reduced the oxidative stress induced by alloxan and produced a
reduction in blood sugar.
