Evaluation of beneficial effects of antioxidant properties of aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata in STZ-induced diabetes.

The beneficial effects of antioxidant properties Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) were studied in the diabetic animals. Hyperglycemia, characteristic feature of diabetes mellitus leads to decreased antioxidant defense and hence development of oxidative stress, which in involved in the etiology of development of diabetic complications. The evidences suggest that good glycemic control and/or use of antioxidants may play an important role in the prevention of complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes was induced with single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.p) dissolved in freshly prepared citrate buffer (pH 4.5), resulted in elevation of blood glucose levels, decrease in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Oral administration of Andrographis (400 mg/kg, p.o) resulted in significant decrease in the blood glucose levels and increase in the activity of SOD and catalase. In conclusion Andrographis decreased the blood glucose levels in diabetic animals may be due to its antioxidant properties.