Antioxidant Effect of Spirulina in Long Evans Rat

Abstract

Spirulina, a naturally occurring micro algae, was suspended in water and administrated orally to streptozotocin induced diabetic and nondiabetic rats at a dose of 400 mg per kg body weight. The animal of the control group was administrated extract of Spinacea oleracea (locally known as Palong Shak). Thirty days after the oral administration all the rats were sacrificed for the determination of super oxide dismutase. Spirulina increased the level of oxidative stress responsive enzyme Super oxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocyte by 17.5% (p<0.0005) in diabetic rats suggesting that the herb may have antioxidant properties.