Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
LIBS-based detection of antioxidant elements: a new strategy
Geeta Watal1, Bechan Sharma, Prashant Kumar Rai
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India. geetawatal@gmail.com
Abstract:
The present study deals with the scientific evaluation of antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits on diabetes-induced oxidative stress of diabetic rats. The most effective dose of mg/kg bw of fruit aqueous extract was given orally to diabetic rats for 30 days. Different oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in various tissues of control and treated diabetic rats. The observed elevated level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) comes down significantly (p < 0.05) and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) got increased (p < 0.05) significantly of diabetic rats on extract treatment. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used as an analytical tool to detect major and minor elements like Mg, Fe, Na, K, Zn, Ca, H, O, C, and N present in the extract. The higher concentration of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Fe(2+), as reflected by their intensities are responsible for antioxidant potential of T. dioica.
Insights
The aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits effectively combats diabetes-induced oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron in the extract contribute to its potent antioxidant activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and increased oxidative stress.
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, plays a crucial role in diabetic complications.
- Trichosanthes dioica, a traditional medicinal plant, is explored for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scientifically evaluate the antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits.
- To investigate the effect of the extract on diabetes-induced oxidative stress in a rat model.
- To identify key elemental components contributing to the extract's antioxidant activity.
Main Methods:
- Induction of diabetes and administration of Trichosanthes dioica fruit aqueous extract to rats.
- Analysis of oxidative stress markers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST).
- Elemental analysis of the extract using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).
Main Results:
- The extract significantly reduced elevated lipid peroxidation levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.05).
- Activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST) were significantly increased in treated diabetic rats (p < 0.05).
- LIBS detected significant concentrations of Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Fe(2+) in the extract, correlating with its antioxidant properties.
Conclusions:
- The aqueous extract of Trichosanthes dioica fruits exhibits significant antioxidant potential against diabetes-induced oxidative stress.
- The observed therapeutic effects are attributed to the extract's ability to restore redox balance and its rich mineral content.
- Trichosanthes dioica represents a promising natural source for managing oxidative stress in diabetes.
