Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Bambusa vulgaris to Reactivate β-Cells of Pancreas in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Ability of the damaged pancreas to generate new {beta}-cells when activated with external stimuli has been documented. This study assessed the potentials of aqueous extract of bambusa vulgaris leaf to reactivate damaged {beta}-cells in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Eighteen healthy male Wistar rats (12 weeks old; weight= between 150 and 200g) were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (six per group); group A (un-induced); group B (untreated alloxan-induced diabetics); group C (alloxan-induced diabetics treated with 200mg/kg body weight of freshly prepared extract of bambusa vulgaris leaf). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and plasma insulin levels were determined in all animals using glucometer and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay methods respectively. Sections of pancreas tissues were prepared for histology. IDDM was confirmed in groups B and C (FBS increased significantly=p<0.05) after 2 days of alloxan administration). The FBS remained significantly (p>0.05) higher in group B, compared to group A, but reduced significantly (p<0.05) in group C after 7 days of treatment with bambusa vulgaris leaf extract. On the 7th day, plasma insulin level decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group B, but no significant difference observed in group C compared with group A. Histology reports showed damaged pancreas in group B, while Group C showed normal islet cells after 7 days of oral administration of bambusa vulgaris extract. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris could restore the activities of alloxan-damaged pancreas. The extract could be a reliable alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals in the treatment IDDM.