Datura Metel Leaf Extracts Potential on Antioxidant Enzymes in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder marked by chronic high blood sugar and elevated oxidative stress. In diabetic states, oxidative stress significantly contributes to the onset and progression of complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. However, antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) can counteract this stress. The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Datura metel leaf extract in diabetic rats. To induce diabetes in the experiment rats, a single dose of alloxan (120 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection. The study involved twenty-five (25) male albino rats divided into five (5) groups: normal control, diabetic control, standard control (treated with glimepiride and metformin), and two experimental groups treated with Datura metel extract at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Results indicated that Datura metel significantly increased CAT and GPx activities and reduced MDA levels compared to the untreated diabetic group; however, it did not significantly enhance SOD activity. Our findings suggest that Datura metel may strengthen antioxidant defences and lessen oxidative stress in diabetic conditions, likely due to its phytochemical properties. Datura metel shows potential as a therapeutic option for managing diabetes-related oxidative stress and merits further investigation for drug development.