Hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to oxidant-antioxidant imbalance resulting in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and decreased activities of defense enzymes. Supplementation of anise seeds (5g/day) containing a no. of bioactive principles to type 2 diabeteics for 60 days ameliorated these processes. Increased oxidative stress as shown by increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and increased activity of catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes, decreased serum carotene, vitamin A, E and C observed in diabetics were countered by anise seeds. In addition, decreased activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme i.e. glutathinone–S–tranferase (GST) and reduced glutathione content were significantly improved in anise-treated diabetics. This study reveals amelioration of oxidative stress in diabetics due to the supplementation of anise seeds. In conclusion, anise seeds possess antioxidant properties and the effect is a result of synergistic action of antioxidant phytochemicals, carotenoids, flavonoids etc. present in the seeds. The findings from this study suggest that the seeds may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment for controlling oxidative stress that causes chronic diseases.
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