Efficacy of Abroma augusta on Biochemical and Histomorphological Features of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits

Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants are well documented for possessing antidiabetic or antihyperglycaemic potential. Abroma augusta seems to have the same effect in treating diabetes mellitus. The      aim of the present experiment was to report the efficacy of the aqueous extract of the leaves of A. augusta on biochemical and histological abnormalities of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Materials and Methods: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of A. augusta on biochemical values and histomorphological features of pancreas and kidneys of alloxan-induced (@ 80 mg/kg. body weight intraperitoneally) diabetic rabbits. The animals were divided into three groups viz, normal control, diabetic control and A. augusta treated diabetic rabbits. The extract was given by gavages at a dose of 2ml/kg body weight twice daily for a period of 21 days. Result: Normal blood sugar (P<0.01), blood urea (P<0.01) and serum creatinine (P<0.02) levels were observed. Histological examination of the pancreas showed an increase in the number of beta cells in the A. augusta treated diabetic rabbits. Further, the extract was found to ameliorate the histological abnormalities of the kidneys in diabetic rabbits. Conclusion: This experimental study indicates that A. augusta extract possess either antioxidant effect or regenerative ability in ameliorating the biochemical and histomorphological abnormalities in diabetic rabbits.