Photo-irradiated curcumin supplementation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Effect on lipid peroxidation

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders. A large number of studies are in progress to identify natural substances that are effective in reducing the severity of diabetes. Although a number of drugs are currently marketed, their long-term use can cause a number of adverse effects. Materials and methods: In the present study, we examined the effect of photo-irradiated curcumin on experimental diabetes in order to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic effects of this compound on streptozotocin (40 mg/kg bodyweight)-induced diabetes. Photo-irradiated curcumin was given at a dose of 10, 30 and 80 mg/kg bodyweight. The level of blood glucose was elevated in the diabetic animals. The liver, kidney and brain were assayed for the degree of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione content and the activity of enzymic and levels of non-enzymic antioxidants. Results: Antioxidant status decreased in the diabetic animals. Oral administration of photo-irradiated curcumin for 45 days resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, together with near normalisation of enzymic activity and the markers of lipid peroxidation. The best results were obtained in rats treated with 30 mg/kg bodyweight of photo-irradiated curcumin.