Antioxidant and Antihypergl Ycemic activities of Lygodium Microphyllum against Alloxan-Induced Diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder that affects more than 415 million people worldwide. Lygodium microphyllum or better known as Old World Climbing Fem from the family Lygodiaceae, is an invasive climbing fem species that is distributed around Sabah Borneo and possesses many medicinal values in treating several diseases and for health care maintenance. The present study was designed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of L. microphy/lum leaves extract against alloxan induced diabetes in rats. In vitro studies have shown that the extract possessed strong antioxidant activity and has ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals effectively. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of pharmaceutically active compounds of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids. Total phenolic content of leaves was found to be 966.7 ± 0.03 mg/lOOg dried sample. The total flavonoid content of leaves was found to be 42.9 ± 0.01 mg/100g dried sample. Besides that, experiments designed for antihyperglycemic activity of L. microphy/lum against alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Body weight and blood glucose level were measured on interval of 14 days. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into six groups (n=6). Injection of alloxan (i.v.) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight in rats resulted in a significant increase in serum glucose as compared to saline treated control. Also, oxidative stress was noticed in pancreatic tissue as evidenced by a significant decrease in glutathione level, glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, catalase activities, also a significant increase in malondialdehyde when compared to normal saline treated control group. Pancreases were also examined histopathologically by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress markers were consistent with the pancreatic histopathological studies. Treatment of diabetic rats with L. microphyllum at a dose level of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight leaves extract for 14 days significantly prevented these alterations and attenuated alloxan-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, the aqueous extract of L. microphy//um may be a good source of natural antioxidant. The results of the present study indicates that the antihyperglycemic potentials of L. microphy/lum might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Thus, it concluded that L. microphy/lum may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress