The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect of Curcumin
Copper Oxide nano-composite in STZ- induced diabetic rats. Sixty male rats were divided into four
equal groups. Group 1 (control) comprised 15 rats received no drugs, Group 2 (Diabetic nontreated
group) included 15 rats received no drugs, serve as STZ induced diabetic group. Group 3
(Diabetic nano-curcumin treated group) consists of 15 rats, received curcumin nanoparticle orally at
a dose level of 2 mg/kg b.wt/day. Group 4 (Diabetic Curcumin Copper Oxide Nano-Composite
treated group): included 15 rats, received curcumin Copper Oxide Nano-Composite at a dose level
of 7 mg/kg b.wt/day orally. The obtained results revealed that, diabetic rats showed significant
increase in serum glucose and Malondialehyde (MDA) concentrations. However, serum Superoxide
dismutase (SOD) activity, Reduced Glutathione (GSH) and insulin concentration in pancreatic
tissue were markedly decreased. Moreover, a significant down regulation in Insulin Receptor-A
(IRA) and Insulin Receptors Substrate-2 (IRs-2) mRNA gene levels in hepatic tissue were observed
in diabetic rats. Administration of Curcumin Copper Oxide Nano-Composite in diabetic rats caused
significant improvement of all previous parameters. These results suggested that, Curcumin Copper
Oxide Nano-Composite treatment may decrease the diabetic complications as hyperglycemia and
oxidative stress in rats through free radical scavenging as well as regulation of endogenous
antioxidant defense system mechanisms.