A recent study by Ojeaburu, S. I., & Eimoga, N. (2024) titled “Histopathological Investigation of the Effects of Methanol Extract of Justicia Carnea Leaves on the Pancreas, Liver, and Kidney of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats” published in the International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation examined that the methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves had significant therapeutic potential in managing diabetes mellitus and its complications in the pancreas, liver, and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
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The methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves effectively restores pancreatic, liver, and kidney health in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Ojeaburu, S. I., and Eimoga, N. 2024
The article examines the therapeutic potential of Justicia carnea leaf extract in managing diabetes, focusing on its effects on the pancreas, liver, and kidneys in diabetic rats. The study utilized methanol extract of the leaves and investigated its impact on diabetes induced in rats using streptozotocin (STZ). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a control group and five experimental groups, which were induced with diabetes and treated with varying doses of the methanol extract or metformin. Results revealed that the Justicia carnea extract significantly restored normal histopathological features in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys of diabetic rats. This suggests the extract’s potential as an effective antidiabetic treatment. The study also posit that the methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves holds promise for the development of antidiabetic drugs or as a complementary therapy to existing treatments
How the Study was Conducted
Collection and Preparation of Plant Sample
Fresh leaves of Justicia carnea were harvested, washed, air-dried, and pulverized. The methanol extract was obtained through maceration over 72 hours, filtered, and condensed using a rotary evaporator. The final extract was stored at -4°C until use.
Experimental Design
Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups:
Group 1: Normal control, received only water and grower’s pellet.
Group 2: Diabetic untreated group.
Group 3: Diabetic group treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of metformin.
Groups 4, 5, and 6: Diabetic groups treated with 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg bw of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves, respectively.
Induction of Diabetes
Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg bw of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats with fasting blood glucose levels >200 mg/dL were considered diabetic.
Administration of Extracts
The methanol extract of Justicia carnea was orally administered to the rats daily for 21 days.
Histological Study
After 21 days of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, and the pancreas, liver, and kidney were harvested. The organs were processed for histopathological screening using hematoxylin and eosin staining for microscopic evaluation. The authors employed acute toxicity test using the Lorke method to determine the safety of the methanol extract. The test involved administering varying doses of the extract to rats and observing them for signs of toxicity and mortality. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean and analyzed using SPSS. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that the methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves had significant therapeutic potential in managing diabetes mellitus and its complications in the pancreas, liver, and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The authors also found that the diabetic rats showed degenerating islets, vascular congestion, and stenosis. However, treatment with Justicia carnea extract resulted in the regeneration of islets and amelioration of these conditions. The 100 mg/kg body weight dose was particularly effective in restoring normal pancreatic histology. In addition, diabetic rats exhibited severe vascular ulceration, congestion, and periportal infiltrates of inflammatory cells. Treatment with Justicia carnea extract helped restore normal hepatocytes, portal veins, and bile ducts. The 100 mg/kg body weight dose was most effective in reversing liver damage. Furthermore, the authors also posit that the diabetic rats had interstitial congestion, glomerular shrinkage, and tubular necrosis. The Justicia carnea extract treatment normalized these conditions, with the 100 mg/kg body weight dose showing the best results in restoring kidney histology.
Why is this important?
Potential Antidiabetic Treatment: The findings suggest that the methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves could be a promising candidate for developing new antidiabetic drugs or as an adjunct to existing treatments. This is significant given the global rise in diabetes cases and the need for effective treatments.
Organ Protection: The study demonstrated that the extract helped restore normal histopathological features in the pancreas, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. This indicates its potential to protect these vital organs from diabetes-induced damage, which is crucial for improving the quality of life and health outcomes for diabetic patients.
Natural Medicine: Justicia carnea is a plant widely used in traditional medicine. This research provides scientific validation for its traditional use and highlights the importance of exploring natural remedies for modern medical conditions.
Further Research: The study opens avenues for further research and clinical trials to fully explore the potential of Justicia carnea as an antidiabetic treatment. It also emphasizes the need for standardized dosing regimens and understanding the mechanisms of action.
Economic Impact: Developing effective treatments from locally available plants like Justicia carnea can be cost-effective and accessible, especially in regions where access to conventional medicine is limited.
What the Authors Recommended
- The methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves shows significant therapeutic potential in managing diabetes mellitus and its complications. The authors propose it as a potential candidate for developing antidiabetic drugs or as an adjunct to existing treatments.
- The authors emphasize the need for further research and clinical trials to fully explore the potential of Justicia carnea. This includes establishing standardized dosing regimens for therapeutic applications and determining the mechanism of action of the leaf extract.
- The study highlights the importance of determining the optimal dose for therapeutic use. The 100 mg/kg body weight dose was particularly effective in ameliorating diabetes-induced damage across all examined organs.
- In addition, understanding the mechanism by which Justicia carnea exerts its antidiabetic effects is crucial. This will help in developing more effective treatments and ensuring the safety and efficacy of the extract.
In conclusion, the study by Ojeaburu and Eimoga highlights the significant therapeutic potential of the methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaves in managing diabetes mellitus and its complications. By demonstrating its ability to restore normal histopathological features in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys, the research provides compelling evidence for its use as a natural and effective antidiabetic treatment. These findings not only validate the traditional medicinal use of Justicia carnea but also open avenues for further research and clinical applications. With its promising efficacy, safety profile, and accessibility, Justicia carnea extract could serve as a valuable addition to diabetes care, potentially improving health outcomes and offering an affordable alternative for regions with limited access to conventional therapies.
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