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Study Title:

D-Limonene Restores Antioxidant System in Diabetic Rats

Study Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of D-limonene on the levels of lipid peroxidation by-products and antioxidant defence systems in the plasma and tissues of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rats. The experimental diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.) injection, and treatment with D-limonene was continued for 45 days. After the treatment period, oxidative stress parameters such as lipid peroxidation by-products; enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), non-enzymic antioxidants including reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamins C and E were measured in the plasma and tissues of experimental rats. An increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation by-products and significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes were observed in untreated diabetic rats. Administration of D-limonene to diabetic rats for 45 days caused a significant reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation by-products and an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, when compared to the untreated diabetic group. There was no significant difference in normal-treated groups, when compared with normal rats. Biochemical observations were substantiated with the help of histopathological examinations through its antioxidant properties and thereby conferred protection against STZ induced diabetic rats. The result of the present study indicates that D-limonene has antioxidant potential in addition to its antidiabetic effect in experimental diabetes.

Study Information

Murali R, Saravanan R.
Protective Effects of D-Limonene on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.
Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol.
2012 September
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India.