Effects of (-)-epicatechin, a flavonoid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in streptozotocin-induced diabetic liver, kidney and heart.

The present study was designed to elucidate the antioxidant effect of (-)-epicatechin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of (-)-epicatechin at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg to diabetic rats for a period of 35 days resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides and a significant increase in the concentration of glutathione and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. (-)-Epicatechin at a dose of 30 mg/kg was found to be more effective. Administration of insulin to diabetic rats normalized the changes caused by STZ.