The histopathologic effects of Morus alba leaf extract on the pancreas of diabetic rats

Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative system of medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Mulberry (Morus alba) is a nontoxic natural therapeutic agent shown to possess hypoglycemic, hypotensive, and diuretic properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the histopathologic effects of Morus alba leaf extract on the pancreas of diabetic rats. The animals were treated with mulberry leaf extract at dosages of 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight for 35 days. The various parameters studied included blood glucose, the relative body weight of the pancreas, the diameter of islets, and the number of β cells in all groups. Blood glucose level, the diameter of the islets, and the number of β cells were increased in treatment groups as compared to the diabetic group. According to the histological and biochemical results obtained, it was concluded that the extract of this plant may reduce blood glucose levels by regeneration of β cells.