Pancreatic beta-cell regeneration

Abstract

Cephalendra, indica ∅ (41% v/v alcoholic extract of the wild variety of Cephalendra indica Naud.), on regular administration in doses ranging from 25 μml to 75 μml/100 g of body weight (gbw) by the oral or intraperitoneal (ip) route produced a significant fall in blood sugar level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Biochemical studies showed stabilization of blood sugar level in 70% of cases of fourteen to twenty days after withdrawal of the drug. Histopathological studies revealed regeneration of pancreatic β cells. The hypothesis is that the drug acts through the hypothalamo-hypophysial-pancreatic axis, producing selective regeneration of β cells. The drug may indirectly release inhibitory factors from hypothalamic neurons, inhibiting the secretion of growth hormone and triggering insulin secretion from β cells. The therapeutic action of the drug on pancreatic β cells and lack of acute and subacute toxicity may open up new prospects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.