Effect of Syzigium cumini in plasma antioxidants on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

We undertook the present study to evaluate the antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of the seeds of Syzigium cumini, an indigenous plant present in different parts of India, South-East Asia and Eastern Africa, toward experimental diabetes. Administration of the extract for 6 weeks resulted in significant reductions in plasma lipid peroxide, ceruloplasmin and cr-tocopherol and a significant elevation in plasma reduced glutathione and vitamin C in alloxan diabetic rats. Insulin restored all the parameters to their normal values. The seed extract was also more effective than glibenclamide in restoring the values of these parameters.