Protective effect of Clinacanthus nutans on pancreatic β-cell mass and function in diabetic rats

Preserving pancreatic β-cell mass and function provides a potentially effective approach for mitigating the development and aggravation of diabetes. This study aimed to prove the effect of Clinacanthus nutans on pancreatic β-cell mass and function in rat models of diabetes. The study involved grouping male Wistar rats into six different groups: normal control, diabetes control, diabetes treated with Glibenclamide, and diabetes treated with C. nutans doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. Body weight, food intake, and fasting blood glucose levels were documented periodically during the study. Serum insulin levels were determined by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) value was calculated based on the given formula. Histopathological examination of pancreatic tissue was performed by Hematoxylin Eosin and Aldehyde Fuchsin staining. The results showed that administration of C. nutans extracts in diabetic rats for twenty-eight days significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, there was an observed increase in serum insulin levels and HOMA-β values. Similarly, the morphometric analysis findings demonstrated enhancements in the area and number of islets, along with an increase in β-cells count and density. The findings suggest that C. nutans exhibits promising antidiabetic properties through its ability to enhance pancreatic β-cells mass and function.