Objective: To observe the effect of Citrullus colocynthis on beta cell regeneration and intra-islet vasculature.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, from February 2013 to January 2014. It comprised male wistar rats weighing 100-150gand aged 6-8 weeks. The animals were divided into 6 groups. Group A1 served as control. Diabetes was induced in groups A2, B2 and C2 using single intravenous injection of 50mg/kg of alloxan. Animals having fasting blood glucose>250mg/dl were considered diabetic. Diabetic rats in groups B2 and C2 and their controls B1 and C1 were given 1ml/kg and 2ml/kg of Citrullus colocynthis aqueous seed extract orally per day for 14 days. Animals were sacrifised on day 15.
Results: Of the 48 rats, there were 8(16.7%) in each group. Citrullus colocynthis has stabilized the body weight of rats and difference was statistically significant on days 7(p<0.013) and 14(p<0.001). Citrullus colocynthis significantly reduced (p<0.001) the fasting blood sugar levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It increased the islet diameter (p<0.001) and beta cell count (p<0.001). The number of intra-islet capillaries was increased in group C2, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Citrullus colocynthis aqueous seed extract stabilised animal body weight and ameliorated hyperglycaemia in a dose- and time-dependent manner which was attributable to regenerative effect on beta cells and intra-islet vasculature.
Keywords: Diabetes, Citrullus colocynthis, Oxidative stress, Beta cell regeneration, Endothelial dysfunction..