Effects of Kudzu Root on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are strictly connected, and both perform an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM).Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of kudzu root against oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM animal model.Methods: DM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (۵۰ mg/kg body weight). The kudzu root (۱۰۰ mg/kg BW) was administered orally after ۱ week of STZ administration in diabetic animals (for ۶ weeks).Results: The diabetic animals exhibited a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde levels. However, they exhibited a significant decrease in plasma insulin level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Administration of kudzu root to diabetic animals reversed these effects.Conclusion: The current study indicated that kudzu root has potent antidiabetic properties, likely through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the STZ-diabetic rat model.