Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups (n=6). Experimental rats were treated with one intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kgbw Alloxan monohydrate alone or in combination with 28 days of oral administration with aqueous extract of Rhus coriaria (50, 100 and 250 mg/kgbw) while the control rats received normal saline. At the end of the study, blood glucose, malondialdehyde concentration and catalase activities of kidney and liver tissues were determined. Treatment with Rhus coriaria extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, and the liver and kidney tissue contents of malondialdehyde in comparison to diabetic group (P<0.05). Furthermore, diabetic group treated with extract showed a significant increase in catalase activities of the liver and kidney (P<0.05). The present study showed that Rhus coriaria could be effective in decreasing diabetic complication and this effect is attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant.