Effects of brazilin on erythrocyte deformability and its related biochemical factors in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Impaired erythrocyte deformability was considered to play an important role in microcirculatory disturbances. We recently confirmed that brazilin, the main active principle ofCaesalpinia sappan, enhanced activity of erythrocyte deformability and reduced blood viscosity. In this study, we examined the effects of brazilin on three biochemical parameters (ATP, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and calcium) which influenced erythrocyte deformability. Treatment with brazilin increased erythrocyte deformability and ATP concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and calcium in diabetic rats following brazilin administration were decreased significantly compared to those of diabetic control rats. The results suggest that brazilin have a potential effect to improve rheological abnormalities in diabetes.