Tetrahydrocurcumin prevents brain lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Oxidative damage has been suggested to be a contributory factor in the development and complication of diabetes. To investigate the effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) on the occurrence of oxidative stress in the brain of rats during diabetes, we investigated the extent of oxidative damage as well as the status of the antioxidant defense system. Oral administration of THC at 80 mg/kg of body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin levels. In addition, THC caused significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and reduced glutathione in the brains of diabetic rats with significant decrease in the lipid peroxidative markers thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydroperoxides in brain, suggesting efficacy for protection against lipid peroxidation-induced membrane damage. The effect of THC was greater than that of curcumin. Results of the present study suggest that THC showed antioxidant effects in addition to its antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic rats.