Amelioration of lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro by Satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: We examined possible protective effect of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) on in vivo and in vitro lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, livers and kidneys were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until their lipid peroxidation analysis. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the levels of fasting blood suger (FBS) and lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: SKE significantly inhibited the levels of FBS, TBARS serum and kidney content in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also the levels of malonedialdehyde liver content unaltered in treated group. SKE significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.