Preventive effects of flavonoids on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of quercetin and chrysin in experimental alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Alloxan was injected at a single dose of 60 mg/kg (into the tail vein) for diabetes induction. Quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg; orally) and chrysin (50 and 100 mg/kg; orally) were administered daily for 3 days prior and 7 days after alloxan injection. Alloxan induced a significant increase of glycaemia (p < 0.001) in comparison with control animals. Quercetin at both doses prevented serum glucose elevation (p < 0.001). However, the protective effect of chrysin was weaker and surprisingly, most prominent at the lower dose (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). On the other hand, glycosuria was increased in all groups of animals receiving alloxan. We suggest that the protective effect of the used flavonoids in experimental diabetes mellitus may be related to their antioxidative/chelatory properties. Increased glycosuria indicated that inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption may also play a role in the hypoglycaemic effect of both flavonoids.