Abstract:
The present study is a multi-dimensional approach aimed at assessing the efficacy of a
polyherbal extract in combination with melatonin intake, as a safe natural anti-oxidant of the
body, along with a regimen of swimming exercise. Adult albino rats were made diabetic by a
single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg / kg body weight). Control and experimental
animals were subjected to swimming exercise together with administration of melatonin and
PE for a further duration of 15 days and, upon sacrifice, various parameters related to lipid
metabolism, enzymic and non enzymic markers of oxidative stress and serum markers of
hepatic and renal dysfunction were evaluated. Results revealed a differential response in the
form of lowered tissue lipid and cholesterol load though with certain degree of renal oxidative
stress and abnormal renal function and a marginally higher serum levels of cholesterol and
lipid. In contrast to non-diabetic animals, diabetic ones were more sensitive to S+M+PE
treatment schedule as marked by the significant depletion in tissue lipid and cholesterol
contents as well as anti hypertriglyceridemic and hypercholesterolemic effects. The present
study involving a combination therapy seems to cause some oxidative stress as marked by
significant decrement in CAT and SOD activities of liver, muscle and kidney along with GSH
depletion with no increase in LPO. Increase in serum Corticosterone level could be speculated
to be contributor of oxidative stress. In conclusion it can be said that S+M+PE is an effective
combination therapy exerting antilipidemic effects but with some incompetence in containing
sub adaptive swimming exercise induced oxidative stress and hepatic and renal dysfunctions.
A properly worked out intensity and duration dependent adaptive exercise schedule is likely to
overcome these shortcomings. Such an exercise schedule needs to be then studied in
conjunction with melatonin supplementation and PE treatment.
