Effect of Syzigium cumini in plasma antioxidants on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

We undertook the present study to evaluate the antioxidant activity of an a queous extract of the seeds of Syzigium cumini, an indigenous plant present in different parts of India, South-East Asia and Eastern Africa, toward ex perimental diabetes. Administration of the extract for 6 weeks resulted in significant reductions in plasma lipid peroxide, ceruloplasmin and cr-tocop herol and a significant elevation in plasma reduced glutathione and vitamin C in alloxan diabetic rats. Insulin restored all the parameters to their n ormal values. The seed extract was also more effective than glibenclamide i n restoring the values of these parameters.