Objective: To study the effect of Citrus aurantium extract on liver antioxidant ability in experimental diabetic mice.
Methods: Experimental diabetic mice were treated with C. aurantium extract (C. aurantium 5, 10, 15g/ kg) respectively. After 5 weeks, the general status, liver antioxidant ability and the change of livers histological were observed.
Results: Experimental diabetic mice groups were treated with C. aurantium extract in comparison with the experimental diabetic mice group. It was indicated that the levels of blood glucose were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the levels of glutathione (GSH) were remarkably increased (P < 0.05). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), the contents of malon dialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased in liver. The liver histological damages of experimental diabetic mice treated with C. aurantium extract were abated in comparison with the experimental diabetic mice under light microscope observation.
Conclusion: It was suggested that the extract of C. aurantium could effectively enhance the liver antioxidant function and decrease hepatocyte damages.