RESEARCH CONCERNING METABOLIC AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM SYRINGAE VULGARIS FLOS F. ALBA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Since it was proved that diabetes mellitus complications, especially nephropathy, retinopathy, arteriopathy or neuropathy, are closely related to increased oxidative stress, researches were directed to find natural antioxidants which can be safely administered to patients on long-term safety. Hence, many medicinal plants have been recommended for the management of diabetes due to their significant metabolic and antioxidant effects. The aim of our research was to evaluate the influence of an ethanolic extract of Syringae vulgaris flos f. alba on the metabolic and antioxidant status of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in comparison with an ethanolic extract of Phaseoli sine seminibus fructus, recognized worldwide for its antidiabetic and antioxidant virtues. The effects of oral administration of plant extracts as a once daily dose for six-weeks to diabetic rats were investigated on blood glucose and cholesterol concentration, the degree of lipid peroxidation and the activity of several antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase).