Pancreatic islet regeneration and some liver biochemical parameters of leaf extracts of <em>Vitex doniana</em> in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats

Okpe Oche

Ibrahim Sani

Njoku Chilaka

Ndidi Samuel

Atabo Samuel

Objective

To test two water soluble extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from the leaves of Vitex doniana in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for their effects on pancreatic endocrine tissues and serum marker enzymes for a period of 21 d.

Methods

A total of 55 rats divided into 11 groups of 5 rats each were assigned into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and followed by a daily administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts for 21 d. Group 1 was the normal control while group 7 was treated with standard drug.

Results

The histopathological studies of the diabetic rats indicated increase in the volume density of islets, percent of β-cells and size of islet in the groups that received the plant extracts, which suggested regeneration of β-cells along with β-cells repairs, as compared with the non-treated diabetic control which showed complete degeneration of the islet cells. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in the serum activities of marker enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in diabetes treated rats, whereas an insignificant increase (P>0.01) in the serum activities of marker enzymes was observed for non-diabetic treated rats. Results of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin showed that diabetic control group was significantly higher (P<0.05) in total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin compared with treated groups while non-diabetic treated groups showed no significant increase (P>0.01) in total bilirubin and direct bilirubin compared with the normal control.

Conclusion

This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.

*Corresponding author: Okpe Oche, Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Tel: +2348066804929, E-mail: moc.liamg@01gnikehco, moc.oohay@gnikehcotiwtahc

Received 2013 Oct 15; Accepted 2014 Jan 18.

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

This herbal therapy appears to bring about repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas and hepatic cells protection in the diabetic rat.

Keywords: Vitex doniana, Pancreatic islet, Marker enzymes, Diabetes, Hepatoprotection

Abstract

Notes

Comments

Background

Damage caused by diabetes has become a major issue worldwide. Therefore, in the management of the disease, it is imperative to consider the ability of the drug (or in this case, plant extract) to protect or cause a regeneration of the islet of langerhans. The literature reports various works that have been carried out with other medicinal plants including this one. However, no work has been done on the area considered in this paper, to the best of the authors' knowledge. In addition, most of the plant extract do not regenerate islet of langerhans.

Research frontiers

The paper shows that the extract exhibited antidiabetic potential by regeneration of the islet of langerhans. Indeed, there are many plants that have exhibited antidiabetic properties. However, their mechanism of actions are still largely unknown.

Related reports

The data obtained shows the ability of the plant extract to stabilize the liver marker enzymes for diabetes i.e. reduces the elevated level of these marker enzymes which were caused by the diabetes. This action is in agreement with other medicinal plant extracts that are known antidiabetic agents (Sharma et al., 2010). There was a sign of regeneration of the islet, which accords with other publications (Xiu et al., 2001).

Innovations and breakthroughs

This paper clearly shows that this plant is not just an antidiabetic agent but has the ability to regenerate damaged pancreatic cells, which several reports has not delved into. It adds further credence to the use of the plant as an antidiabetic agent and to the ability of medicinal plants to regenerate islet of langerhans.

Applications

This paper shows that the plant can be used for the management of diabetes as well as regenerate damaged pancreatic islets.

Peer review

This paper shows the plant not just has antidiabetic property but it most likely works by regeneration of the pancreatic islet which is very imperative in determining the type of plant extract a patient may require when compared to the level of damage due to diabetes.

Notes

Footnotes

Foundation Project: Supported by the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Grant No. ABUBCH-0102-0005).

Conflict of interest statement: We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

Footnotes

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