Effect of Terminalia arjuna extract on enzymes in diabetic rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of terminalia arjuna stem bark extract on the activities of marker enzymes in alloxan induced diabetic rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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B. Ragavan, S. Krishnakumari
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of terminalia arjuna stem bark extract on the activities of marker enzymes in alloxan induced diabetic rats
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent disease that affects approximately 10% of the population, with severe complications arising from hyperglycemia. This study investigates the effects of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on the activities of various serum, liver, and kidney marker enzymes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan is known to induce oxidative stress, resulting in pancreatic injury and disrupting glucose metabolism. Despite the availability of various hypoglycemic agents, the need for effective and less side-effect-prone herbal alternatives is critical, particularly in regions with high diabetes incidence, such as India. Terminalia arjuna, a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional Indian medicine, is the focus of this research.
Glucose Regulation and Enzyme Activity
One of the critical findings of the study is that the administration of Terminalia arjuna bark extract significantly reduced serum glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Two doses of the extract, 250 mg and 500 mg per kg body weight, were tested, with the higher dosage providing greater efficacy. Moreover, the treatment led to a marked restoration of serum liver and kidney marker enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The results indicate that T. arjuna effectively mitigates the enzymatic elevation typically associated with liver and kidney damage during hyperglycemic states, suggesting its potential role in stabilizing cellular function and repairing organ damage.
Conclusion
The study concludes that Terminalia arjuna bark extract possesses protective qualities against the biochemical alterations induced by diabetes. The observed normalization of glucose levels and the restoration of marker enzyme activities demonstrate its therapeutic potential in managing diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the extract did not adversely affect enzyme levels in control rats, suggesting a non-toxic nature at the examined dosages. Therefore, Terminalia arjuna appears to be a promising candidate for further exploration as a natural treatment for diabetes and associated complications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study involving Terminalia arjuna?
The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on marker enzymes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, examining its potential to reduce the harmful effects of diabetes.
How was diabetes induced in the experimental animals?
Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats through a single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate, with blood glucose levels monitored to confirm diabetes development.
What dosages of Terminalia arjuna were tested in the study?
The study evaluated the effects of Terminalia arjuna bark extract at two different doses: 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, given orally for 30 days to diabetic rats.
What were the key findings regarding serum and tissue enzyme levels?
The administration of Terminalia arjuna significantly reduced elevated levels of serum and tissue marker enzymes such as ALP, AST, and ALT in diabetic rats, indicating a protective role against diabetes-related enzyme damage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of Terminalia arjuna extract on enzymes in diabetic rats”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Arjuna:
Arjuna refers to Terminalia arjuna, a tree native to the Indian subcontinent, renowned in traditional medicine for its health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The study highlights its potential role in managing diabetes by affecting enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Its therapeutic properties are rooted in Ayurveda, making it significant in both historical and contemporary health discussions.
2) Terminalia arjuna:
Terminalia arjuna is the scientific name for a medicinal tree widely used in traditional Ayurvedic practices. Its bark extract has been studied for its effectiveness in treating various ailments, including diabetes. The research focuses on its impact on marker enzymes in diabetic rats, showcasing its potential to mitigate diabetes complications and enhance overall health.
3) Activity:
Activity, in this context, pertains to the biological functions and responses of the extract's constituents, particularly how they interact with various enzymes in the body. The 'activity' of marker enzymes was analyzed to assess the extract's effectiveness in regulating metabolic processes disrupted by diabetes, thus indicating its therapeutic potential.
4) Blood:
Blood is essential for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. In this study, serum glucose levels were measured to determine the effectiveness of Terminalia arjuna in managing diabetes. Elevated glucose levels indicate poor metabolic control, and the study aims to identify how the extract influences these levels, hence its implication in diabetes treatment.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This study employs scientific methods to investigate the efficacy of Terminalia arjuna bark extract, contributing to the knowledge base regarding diabetes management and the biochemical interactions of plant-based treatments within biological systems.
6) Water:
Water is a vital component in biological systems, serving as a solvent for biochemical reactions and a medium for transporting substances within the body. The study ensured that animals had free access to water, which is crucial for maintaining physiological balance and ensuring accurate measurement of the extract's effects under controlled conditions.
7) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The study implicitly positions Terminalia arjuna within the field of medicine, as it explores the extract's therapeutic potential in diabetic management. Understanding its action on enzyme markers can lead to advancements in herbal therapies and integrative medicinal practices.
8) Drug:
A drug is any substance used to treat, cure, or prevent disease, often referenced in pharmacological studies. In this research, Terminalia arjuna functions as a natural drug to assess its effects on diabetes-related enzymatic activities, supporting the notion of plant-based therapies as viable alternatives in modern medicine.
9) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research allows for the interpretation and contextualization of findings. The study's discussion elaborates on the observed results regarding Terminalia arjuna's effects on serum and tissue enzyme levels, emphasizing the extract’s protective role in diabetes and facilitating greater understanding of its potential mechanisms of action on metabolic health.
10) Repair:
Repair pertains to the biological processes that restore the integrity and functioning of tissues and organs. The study highlights how Terminalia arjuna bark extract may aid in the repair of hepatic and renal damage caused by diabetes, suggesting its role in restoring enzymatic balance and preventing organ damage from hyperglycemia.
11) Reason:
Reason reflects the justification behind conducting the study, which stems from the high incidence of diabetes and the need for effective, low-side-effect treatments. The exploration of Terminalia arjuna as a therapeutic strategy addresses a clinical gap, aiming to provide evidence for using natural products in diabetic care and management.
12) Sugar:
Sugar typically refers to glucose, a primary energy source for the body, but also indicates hyperglycemia in diabetes. The study examines the impact of Terminalia arjuna on serum glucose levels, exploring how the extract assists in normalizing elevated sugar levels, which is a key aspect of diabetes management and metabolic health.
13) Diet:
Diet encompasses the intake of food and nutrients necessary for maintaining health. The research indicates that while medication (like herbal extracts) plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, dietary choices also significantly impact blood glucose levels. Understanding the interplay between diet and herbal treatments is essential for holistic diabetes management.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effect of Terminalia arjuna extract on enzymes in diabetic rats’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Terminalia arjuna, Protective role, Oral administration, Traditional System of Medicine, Biochemical estimation, Alloxan-induced diabetes, Cervical dislocation, Indigenous Indian medicinal plants, Marker enzyme, Hyperglycemia complications, Serum glucose estimation, Serum liver and kidney, Dosage efficacy, Conclusion suggestions, Diabetic rat.