Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Juniperus oxycedrus L (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey. Aim of the study: To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with juniper's oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days. Materials and methods: J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe. Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusions: Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.