Carica pubescens fruit juice improved superoxide dismutase, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus Wistar rats

Insulin resistance and insulin deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which can exacerbate pancreatic β-cell. Insulin resistance and insulin deficiency may also reduce lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, increase triglycerides (TG) levels and decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This condition could lead to cardiovascular complications. Flavonoids, such as rutin, might be able to improve insulin resistance and increase insulin secretion in T2DM. Carica pubescens is one of the typical Dieng fruits that has rutin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Carica pubescens fruit juice (CPJ) on superoxide dismutase (SOD), TG, and HDL levels in high fat diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. A total of twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; untreated control group (K-); untreated diabetic group (K+); the diabetic group was treated for 30 days with 4 mL/200 g BW of CPJ (X1); 8 mL/200 g BW of CPJ (X2); and 10 mg/200 g BW of rutin (X3). This study revealed a significant increase in SOD and HDL levels and a significant decrease in TG levels in groups X1, X2, and X3, compared to the K+ group (p < 0.05). The increased level of SOD and HDL and the decreased level of TG between X2 and X3 were not significantly different. The effect of CPJ at 8 mL/200 g BW was similar to the effect of rutin at 10 mg/200 g BW. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of CPJ on SOD, TG, and HDL levels in type 2 diabetic Wistar rats.