Abstract
Gmelina arborea Roxb. (common name: Et-demata, Family: Verbenaceae) has been used traditionally in Sri Lanka as a remedy against diabetes mellitus. The objective of the present study was to evaluate antidiabetic mechanisms of the aqueous bark extract of G. arborea in streptozotocin induced (STZ) diabetic male Wistar rats. Aqueous bark extract of G. arborea (1.00 g/kg) and glibenclamide as the standard drug (0.50 mg/kg) were administered orally using a gavage to STZ diabetic rats (65 mg/kg, ip) for 30 days. The antidiabetic mechanisms of aqueous extract of G. arborea (1.00 g/kg) were determined at the end of the experiment. The fasting blood glucose concentration was significantly lowered and the serum insulin and C-peptide concentrations were increased by 57% and 39% in plant extract treated rats on day 30, respectively (p < 0.05). The histopathology and immunohistochemistry results of the plant extract treated group showed a regenerative effect on β-cells of the pancreas in diabetic rats. In addition, serum lipid parameters were improved in G. arborea extract treated diabetic rats. The results revealed that the aqueous stem bark extract of G. arborea (1.00 g/kg) showed beneficial effects against diabetes mellitus through upregulating the β-cell regeneration and biosynthesis of insulin in diabetic rats.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide [1]
DM is characterized by hyperglycemia and alteration of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolisms associated with absolute or relative deficiency in insulin secretion or insulin action [1]
D-glucose, glibenclamide, and streptozotocin were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Company
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide [1]. The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus has shown an upward trend over the past few decades. DM is characterized by hyperglycemia and alteration of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolisms associated with absolute or relative deficiency in insulin secretion or insulin action [1]. Studies have consistently demonstrated that patients’ adherence to present therapeutic regimes has not been satisfactory. Occurrence of hypoglycemia, other side effects, lack of confidence in immediate or future benefits, and patients’ education/beliefs are among the common reasons limiting compliance. Inadequacies in current treatment regimens have resulted in relying on complementary and alternative medicines for the management of diabetes [4, 5]
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