Changes in organ and body weight, serum amylase and antidiabetic effects of tannins from Spondias mombin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background:  Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in the management of chronic diseases including diabetes. Aim:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible antidiabetic effects and changes in serum amylase activities, body weight and organ weight of tannins from  Spondias mombin  on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Setting:  The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. Methods:  A total of 24 albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups (A through D). Group A served as the normal control. Diabetes was induced in rats of groups B, C and D by single-dose intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight) to overnight-fasted rats. Only rats with fasting blood glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL were used for this study. Isolated tannins (100 mg/kg body weight) were administered to rats of group D only. Blood glucose was monitored on Day 0, Day 3, Day 10 and Day 21. After 21 days experimental period blood samples were collected and used for serum amylase activities. Tissues (liver, pancreas, heart and kidney) were excised out and weighed. Results:  Tannins-treated rats showed a significant increase in body weight and serum amylase activity when compared with the diabetic control. Also, a significant decrease in blood glucose level was seen in the tannins-treated rats when compared with the diabetic control. A significant decrease in the weight of the pancreas and a significant increase in the weight of the liver were seen in the diabetic control rats when compared with the tannins-treated groups. Conclusion:  Tannins of  Spondias mombin  have an antidiabetic effect and can restore serum amylase and body weight changes resulting from streptozotocin induction.