Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson) Improved Erythrocyte Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with oxidative stress component. Oxidative stress is a condition caused by imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant in the human body. Oxidative stress in diabetic happen by three mechanisms: nonenzymatic protein glycation, polyol sorbitol (aldose reductase) pathway, and glucose autooxidation. The change of oxidative state is marked by changes in activity of endogenous antioxidant and increase of oxidative damage to biomolecules. Therefore, exogenous antioxidant has a beneficial role to inhibit oxidative damage in diabetic patients. These antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione.