The prophylactic effect of Viscum album in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE: Viscum album (VA) is a species of mistletoe in the family Santalaceae that is thought to have therapeutic properties for several diseases, including diabetes. In the present study, conventional experimental rat model was used with diabetes induced with streptozotocin (STZ) to evaluate effect of VA on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system. METHODS: Total of 32 adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats: Control group, STZ group, VA group, and group administered VA+STZ. VA extract was 100 mg/kg preparation delivered once a day by oral gavage for 10 days. Single dose of 55 mg/kg STZ citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5) was administered intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Fasting blood glucose level was measured and recorded. Animals were sacrificed, and catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein present in liver and kidney tissue samples were measured. Activity of CAT, an antioxidant enzyme, was studied according to the Aebi method. MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation, was analyzed using Draper and Hadley spectrophotometric procedure. Protein level was determined using supernatant and extract of tissue homogenates according to Lowry method. Data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons between groups. Post-hoc analysis included Dunnet test, Duncan test, and least significant difference test. P<0.05 was considered significant probability value. RESULTS: Oxidative stress is associated with diabetic complications. VA administered to diabetic rats reduced oxidative stress and improved their general condition. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to enhance understanding of potential antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of VA.