Effect of herbal hypoglycemic agents on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

In the present study the antioxidative potential ofMomordica charantia, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum andOcimum sanctum was assessed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Lipid peroxide levels were also measured in normal, diabetic and treated animals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher and antioxidant activity was found low in diabetic groups as compared to the control groups, and significant alteration in both the MDA levels and antioxidant activity was also observed when the above herbal hypoglycemic agents were given to diabetic rats. On the basis of our results we conclude thatM. charantia, A. indica, A. sativum andO. sanctum are not only useful in controlling the lipid peroxide levels but are also helpful in further strengthening the antioxidant potential.