Evidence of Anti-hyperglycemic and Anti-oxidant Effect of <i>Passiflora edulis flavicarpa</i> (Sims.) in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide problem and has no distinct cure. The present study was designed to investigate the antidiabetic, antioxidant and antilipidemic effects of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa extract (PefEt) against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. A total of forty wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 male rats/group) as control; control+PefEt; diabetic and diabetic + PefEt. Streptozotocin was administered as a single dose (50 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The effect of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa (PefEt-250 mg/kg bodyweight for four weeks) on diabetic rats was investigated by evaluating various biochemical parameters. The levels of blood glucose, C-peptide, insulin; enzymatic antioxidants, total antioxidant status, oxidative markers (Malondialdehyde and Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) and lipid profile were measured. Levels of glucose, MDA and urinary 8-OHdG were significantly decreased, while levels of antioxidants, C-peptide and insulin were significantly increased on administration of PefEt in the STZ-induced rats when compared to control groups. Therefore, it could be concluded that PefEt must be considered as an excellent herb for future studies on diabetes mellitus.