The Effects of Natural Clinoptilolite and Nano-Sized Clinoptilolite Supplementation on Glucose Levels and Oxidative Stress in Rats With Type 1 Diabetes
The study investigates the potential effects of clinoptilolite (CLN) and nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) on glucose levels and oxidative stress in rats with type 1 diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The research is motivated by the need for alternative treatments for diabetes that have fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmacological agents.
Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups, with the diabetic group receiving STZ injections to induce diabetes. Following this, each group was further divided into three subgroups: a control group, a group receiving 1% CLN, and a group receiving 1% NCLN in their diet for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were measured at the start, and on days 14 and 28, while oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), were evaluated.
Results indicated that while blood glucose levels and MDA were significantly elevated in diabetic rats, treatment with NCLN resulted in a notable decrease in blood glucose levels, bringing them closer to normal (12.4 mmol/L compared to 27.5 mmol/L in untreated diabetic rats). However, no significant changes were observed in oxidative stress markers across the groups. The study concludes that NCLN has a hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats but does not significantly influence oxidative stress markers.
This research paper contributes to the field of diabetes research by exploring the therapeutic potential of natural zeolites, specifically clinoptilolite and its nano-sized variant, as alternative treatments for managing blood glucose levels in diabetes. The findings suggest that NCLN could be a promising candidate for further investigation, particularly in the context of reducing hyperglycemia without the adverse effects associated with traditional medications. The study highlights the importance of exploring natural products and nanotechnology in developing safer and more effective diabetes treatments, thus contributing to ongoing discussions about alternative therapies in diabetes management.
