β-Islet cell regeneration potential of Mirabilis jalapa in hyperglycemic rats

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of Mirabilis jalapa root extracts in restoration of glucose homeostasis in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar albino rats. Methods: Experimental hyperglycemic rats were treated daily with 200 and 400 mg/kg of Mirabilis jalapa extracts after initial fasting for 6 h. Two-hour postprandial glucose and changes in body weight were monitored during treatment. After 14 d, the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for biochemical assessment of serum glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers. Histopathological examinations of harvested pancreas were also carried out. Results: Mirabilis jalapa root extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the body weight of hyperglycemic rats. Postprandial glucose levels of the extract-treated hyperglycemic groups progressively declined during treatment compared with the untreated hyperglycemic control group (P<0.05). The lipid profile indices of the untreated negative control group were significantly elevated (P<0.05), which were reversed by treatment with Mirabilis jalapa extracts. The remarkable increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels were observed in the hyperglycemic group treated with Mirabilis jalapa extracts. Mirabilis jalapa extracts also significantly increased serum insulin levels (P<0.05). In addition, histopathological examinations of the pancreas revealed a significant cell population within the islet nests of the extract-treated hyperglycemic groups. Conclusions: Mirabilis jalapa extract can restore glucose homeostasis and show hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in hyperglycemic rats. Further studies are needed to verify the active components of the plant and the underlying mechanism of action in the future.