Histological investigation of aqueous extract of cactus on the heart of diabetic Wistar rats

Uthman Ademola Yusuf 1, *, Musonda Kambele 1, Wana Iputu 1, Mpeza Kalowa 1, Michelo Miyoba 2, Isabel Namfukwe Luambia Luambi 1, Precious Simushi 3 and Aminat Adejoke Yusuf 4

1 Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone Campus, Zambia.
2 Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi, University, Livingstone Campus, Zambia.
3 Livingstone Central Hospital Laboratory, Livingstone, Zambia.
4 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 22(01), 134-142.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2023.22.1.0020
Publication history: 
Received on 02 December 2022; revised on 12 January 2023; accepted on 15 January 2023
 
Abstract: 
This study aimed to examine the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cactus on the Heart of Diabetic Wistar Rats.
Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between (160-200) g were randomly grouped into five consisting of six rats each viz: A. normal control, B. diabetic only, C. diabetic treated with Cactus, and D. diabetes treated with Metformin only, and E. Cactus extract only. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin of 70mg/kg/body weight. After 72 hours of uninterrupted diabetes (blood glucose≥ 7 mmol), aqueous extracts of Cactus and Metformin were administered orally at 100 mg/kg body weight daily for four weeks and blood glucose level was recorded weekly. After four weeks of extract administration, animals were sacrificed by euthanasia. Organs were weighed and their weight was recorded. Data were analyzed using excel and one-way ANOVA.
The findings of this study showed that the blood glucose level of Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes + Metformin were significant when compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). The body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes+ Metformin when compared to the diabetic group was significant P<0.05. Histological findings showed a normal control group had normal histoarchitecture with numerous healthy cardiomyocytes and normal distribution of collagen. Diabetic groups showed many degenerating cardiomyocytes and numerous depositions of collagen. Diabetes +Cactus and Metformin treated groups showed little disruption.
Aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the heart of adult male Wistar rats against the damage initiated by diabetes.
 
Keywords: 
Streptozotocin; Heart; Cactus; Diabetic; Wistar rat
 
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