The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Launaea Acanthodes on Oxidative Stress Parameters of Red Blood Cells in Diabetic Rats

Increased insulin resistance, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress parameters are associated with the development of diabetes complications. Launaea acanthodes contains antioxidant compounds and has hypoglycemic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Launaea acanthodes aqueous extract on antioxidant enzymes level of red blood cells in diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 36 rats were divided into the equal groups of control, diabetes control and experimental diabetic 1 and 2. Experimental diabetic and diabetic control groups were got diabetic by an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Experimental diabetic groups received the aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes (100 and 300 mg/kg, ip) on alternate days for one month. Sterile distilled water was injected to control and diabetic control groups. On 1st, 15th and 30th days after induction of experimental diabetes, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured in red blood cells. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc TUKEY test. Significant increase in MDA levels and significant decrease in SOD, GST and CAT enzymes were observed in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Injection of Launaea acanthodes extract (100 and 300 mg/kg, ip) to the diabetic rats, resulted significant decrease in MDA levels and significant increase in SOD, GST, CAT activity enzymes in red blood cells (p<0.05). The results of this study confirm the dose-dependent antioxidant role of Launaea acanthodes extract on improving the oxidative stress in red blood cells from diabetic rats.