The Effects of Structurally Different Saponin Containing Plants on Tissue Antioxidant Defense Systems, Lipid Peroxidation and Histopathological Changes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of this study, was to examine the effects of Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria and mixture of both plants on tissue antioxidant defense systems, lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Animals were allocated into 5 groups of each containing 10 rats. Control (C) and Diabetic Control group (D) were fed by Standart Rat Feed (SRF). The other diabetic groups, Yucca schidigera group (DY), Quillaja saponaria group (DQ) and mix group (DQY) were fed ad libitum using SRF +100 ppm Yucca schidigera powder (Sarsaponin 30 (R)), SRF +100 ppm Quillaja saponaria powder (Nutrafito (R)) and SRF+100 ppm Yucca schidigera-Quillaja saponaria powder (Nutrafito Plus (R)), respectively for 3 weeks. MDA levels in liver and kidney of the rats significantly increased in D group compared to control. MDA levels in DY, DQ and DQY groups significantly decreased in liver and kidney of the diabetic rats. On the other hand, the liver and kidney GSH concentrations significantly decreased in D, DY and DQY groups compared to control and DQ group. The SOD levels in liver significantly increased in DY, DQ and DQY groups compared to D group. The kidney SOD levels in D and DY group significantly decreased compared to control and other groups. On the other hand, treatment of diabetic rats with Quillaja saponaria and Quillaja saponaria-Yucca schidigera mixtures prevented the alteration in liver and kidney pathology with the return to their normal texture. Consequently, in buffering the negative impacts of increased oxidative stress in DM and in preventing or mitigating diabetic complications, it was seen that Quillaja saponaria was more effective than Yucca schidigera. Moreover, it can be considered that these plants could support the treatment of the disease by antioxidant effects.