Regeneration of pancreatic b‑cells on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats under the effect of Swietenia macrophylla seeds

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major killers these days and has a profound effect in the quality of life. Despite considerable progress in the treatment of diabetes, search for newer drugs continues, especially from the natural resources. We have previously reported that the seed of the plant. Swietenia macrophylla is nontoxic. Aim: The current study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Swietenia macrophylla seeds on histopathological changes of pancreatic, hepatic and renal tissues, besides to observe its effect on the blood glucose level and lipid parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: The Albino rat (Wister Strain) weighing 200‑250 gm were divided into five groups of seven rats each and streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes except in the control group. The control group (I) and diabetic control group (II) received redistilled water. Group III and V diabetic rats were administered with aqueous extract of Swietenia macrophylla seeds (2 gm/kg body weight) daily for 30 days. Peptide was mixed with extract as adjuvant in the latter group (1:1, 2 gm/kg body weight/day for 30 days). Group IV diabetic rats were fed with aqueous extract of standard drug Metformin (10 mg/kg body weight). Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, Office 2003 and SPSS 16 software. Values were expressed by mean ± SD. P value <0.05, <0.01 were considered statistically significant. Results: The oral administration of extract alone and extract plus soya peptide to diabetic rats was found to possess significant hypoglycaemic as well as hypolipidemic activity. Histopathological changes include hypercellularity of islets tissue with increased hyperchromic nucleus in the same group. Increased density of islets in pancreatic tissue with higher percent of b cells and islets size in this group, in comparison to diabetic untreated group indicate regeneration of beta cells under the effect of Swietenia macrophylla seeds, without any significant change in hepatic and renal tissues. Conclusion: We conclude that the Swietenia macrophylla seeds have potentials for development into a therapeutic agent in diabetes mellitus. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, histopathology, lipid profile, Swietenia macrophylla seeds