Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy worldwide. Depending on usage, it can cause complications such as coagulopathies, hepatotoxicity, and encephalopathy. Moringa oleifera has been shown to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective activities. The current study investigated the effects of Moringa leaves extract (70% ethanol) on antioxidant systems against valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle tissues of rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: control group; Group II: animals given only Moringa extract; Group III: animals that received only sodium valproate; Group IV: animals administered with sodium valproate + Moringa extract. Moringa extract and sodium valproate were administered orally. Muscle tissues were collected after sacrificing the animals. Biochemical analysis of muscle tissue homogenates of the valproate group revealed elevated levels/activities of lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, sialic acid, protein carbonyl, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase. While glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant status, aryl esterase and sodium/potassium ATPase were decreased. The administration of Moringa extract reversed these biochemical changes. These results indicate that Moringa leaves extract had a protective effect on muscle tissues against valproate-induced damage.

L-alanine supplementation improves blood glucose level and biochemical indices in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder whose complications are among the leading cause of death. In this study, the antidiabetic effect of L-alanine was tested in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-five male albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups viz; Group I and II: nondiabetic and diabetic controls respectively; Group III and IV: 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w. L-alanine treated, respectively; Group V: glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) treated. Weight and blood glucose were monitored during the study, while liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and antioxidant markers were examined at the end of the study. The outcomes indicate that 300 mg/kg L-alanine resulted to a significant decrease (p < .05) in weight and blood glucose. L-alanine restored tissue antioxidants, kidney, and liver functions by improving important parameters. Histopathological studies showed the potential of L-alanine in regeneration of the islets of Langerhans. These findings suggest that L-alanine has an alleviating effect on alloxan-induced diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Several medicinal plants have been tested for their antidiabetic potentials, however, the isolation of the active compounds from these plants for medicinal use is often challenging. Here, we present data that suggests the potential use of a pure and harmless amino acid compound (L-alanine) for the management of diabetes. L-alanine is readily available, cheap and can also be found in many foods we eat. Therefore, L-alanine may be taken by diabetic patients as a food supplement for the treatment/management of diabetes or taken as part of foods rich in the amino acid such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.