A. muricata L., commonly known as graviola, is a plant widely distributed
throughout the world rich in phytochemicals and minerals. The objective of this
study was to investigate the influence of A.muricata on oxidative stress in the
liver, kidney and pancreas along with variations in glucose, insulin, lipid
profile, liver and kidney functions in diabetic (DM) and γ-irradiated rats (IRR).
Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin
(65 mg/Kg body weight). Irradiation was performed as whole body γ-irradiation
(5 Gy) administered in a single acute dose. A.muricata leaves aqueous extract
(100 mg/Kg body weight) was administered via gavages during 2 weeks to
diabetic rats or during 2 weeks before γ-irradiation. Diabetic rats received
A. muricata during 2 weeks before irradiation. Animals were sacrificed 24
hours post irradiation and/or A. muricata trearment. A. muricata treatment has
significantly attenuated hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and dyslipidemia, and
reduced the increase of serum alanine and aspartate amino transferase activities
and serum urea and creatinine levels. The amelioration in metabolic variations
was associated to significant improvement of oxidative stress in tissues notified
by a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content
and a lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. It could be suggested that the
synergistic relationship between the different elements found in the leaf of
A.muricata could be beneficial in ameliorating liver and kidney function and
correcting metabolic variations associated with oxidative stress in the liver,
kidney and pancreas.