Scientific Study

The aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) consumption on oxidant-antioxidant status and lipid profile in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. 32 rats were divided into 4 groups as control; control+peanut; diabetic; diabetic+peanut. Control and diabetic groups were fed on standard rat chow whereas control+peanut and diabetic+peanut were fed on standard rat chow supplemented with 0.63 g % peanut for 12 weeks. Serum glucose levels; lipids; Glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation (LPO) and atherogenic index (AI) levels were determined at the end of the experiment. In the diabetic group TG (Triglyceride); TC (Total cholesterol); LDL-C (LDL-cholesterol) levels and atherogenic indexes increased significantly whereas HDL-C (HDL-cholesterol) level decreased significantly compared to the control group. The supplementation with peanut in the diabetic group led to significantly higher HDL-C levels and lower AI levels compared to diabetic group. Peanut consumption increased GSH levels significantly both in control and diabetic groups. In conclusion; this study shows that peanut consumption may improve oxidant-antioxidant status in healthy and diabetic status without increasing blood lipids. Moreover; increased HDL-C levels and decreased AI levels in diabetic rats indicate that; peanut consumption may have protective effects against cardiovascular complications of diabetes.