MODULATORY EFFECT OF LEUCAS ASPERA ON OXIDATIVE STRESS AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM AGAINST DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Abstract

Diabetes complications is associated with alterations in metabolic enzymes, hormones, lipid peroxidation leading to damage of liver and kidney. In
the present study the traditional usage of Leucas aspera Wild against diabetes and its complications is explored experimentally by using in-vivo
alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The results revealed that aqueous leaf extract at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w. exhibited significant decrease in (P<0.05)
blood glucose levels and increase in body weight, insulin and C peptide levels. The changes in glucose haemostasis and metabolic alterations in the
enzyme levels are due to lack of insulin and is reverted back to near normal level after the administration of Leucas aspera leaf extract. Meanwhile
the storage of glycogen in the liver is significantly improved reducing the complications associated with diabetes. Similarly, the alterations in
atherogenic index which is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases was inverted to near normal levels by improving the quantity of the HDL-C.
Liver damage and renal dysfunction is the major complication during diabetes because of frequent lipid peroxidation, but treatment with Leucas
aspera has a pronounce effect on these markers enzymes protecting the organs form further damage. Thus the results reveal that Leucas aspera has
the potential and can be a candidate of choice without side effect.