Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes and tissues in aged diabetic rats.

Antidiabetic treatment with powdered fruit of Capparis decidua decreased alloxan induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) significantly in erythrocytes, kidney and heart. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased while the kidney and heart SOD increased in diabetic animals. These alterations in SOD were counteracted by insulin as well as with powdered fruit of C. decidua. Increased catalase (CAT) activity in erythrocytes, liver, kidney and heart with C. decidua treatment indicate that the treatment may neutralize H2O2 toxicity by its increased decomposition by CAT. Result shows that treatment with C. decidua lowers alloxan induced LPO and alters SOD and CAT enzymes to reduce oxidative stress.