Abstract
Background: There is a growing trend towards the use of medicinal plant that can prevent degeneration of pancreatic cells and regenerate islet cells in diabetes treatment
Objectives: The possible effects of the extracts of Spondias mombin leaves on the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were determined in this study.
Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A-E) including normal and diabetic rats. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. mombin were administered orally to diabetic rats in groups D and E for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected for serum insulin and C-peptide assays. The pancreases were also collected for histopathological examination. Additionally, mineral and vitamin contents of the leaves were determined using standard procedures.
Results: The highest vitamin content was vitamin C in the leaves, while the highest mineral content was calcium. Treatment with extracts of Spondias mombin attenuated the STZ-induced hypoinsulinemia, which was evident from the increased serum insulin and c-peptide levels in the extract treated groups. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed an increase in the number and size of the pancreatic beta cells in the extracts treated groups in comparison to the shrunken and diminished islet cells observed in the untreated animals.
Conclusion: Extracts of S. mombin leaves are capable of regenerating pancreatic β-cells which were destroyed by streptozotocin induction.