Malondialdehyde and TNF-α lowering effects of purified gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) in diabetic rats

Background: Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of a dominat marker in oxidative stress condition, and when inflammation occurred tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-alpha) played a significant influence in the propagation this process. Purified gambier (Uncaria gambier Roxb.) contained 90% catechin which is proven to have antioxidant activity and may prevent unwanted inflammatory responses during diabetic state. Objective: The objective of this research was to assess how purified gambier affected plasma MDA and TNF- alpha levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Material and methods: In this study, 35 rats were used. Alloxan 120 mg/kg BW intraperitoneal injection was administered to induce diabetes conditions in rats. All animals were divided into 5 groups, diabetic control group treated with vehicle, positive control group treated with glibenclamide dose 0.45 mg/kg BW), and treatment groups treated with purified gambier dose of 2.5; 5 and 10 mg/kg BW. All animals were treated respectively for 14 days. Plasma MDA and TNF- alpha levels were measured on day 3, and 14. Results: Two-way ANOVA was applied to analyze all of the data, these findings suggested that purified gambier has antioxidant-related anti-inflammation actions. possesses blood sugar-lowering activity (p<0.05). The plasma MDA and TNF- alpha level of treatment group were significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to diabetes control group. Conclusion: These results depicted that at doses of 2.5-10 mg/kg BW, purified gambier has antioxidant-associated anti-inflammation effects when given for 14 days on diabetic rat model by reducing plasma levels MDA and TNF-alpha.