Protective effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis flowers against oxidative stress in diabetes induced swiss albino mice

ABSTRACT: Hydroethanolic extract of Ricinus communis flowers was studied for treating diabetes induced oxidative stress in adult male swiss albino mice. The experimental animals were divided into four groups of seven mice each viz., Normal Control (NC), Diabetic Control (DC), Diabetic + R. communis Flower extract treated (FT) and Diabetic + Glibenclamide treated (GT). The groups DC, FT and GT were given a single intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight). Alloxan administration induced destruction of beta cells, hampering production of insulin and aggravating blood glucose levels. It also resulted in over-production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and thus oxidative stress. Groups NC and DC received normal saline while FT was given Ricinus Communis Flower Extract (RCFE) at 300 mg/kg body weight and GT was treated with Glibenclamide, for a period of 45 days. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) levels were observed at regular intervals. After the treatment period, the liver, kidneys and pancreas of the experimental animals were estimated for their antioxidative status. The antioxidant markers such as Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) saw a variation from their normal values. Treatment of Alloxan induced diabetic mice with RCFE for 45 days lead to a significant (P