Histological Effect of Combined Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus on the Pancreas of Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats

Objective: To ascertain the effect of the combined extracts of Moringa oleifera and Pleurotus ostreatus on the pancreas of diabetic rats through histological studies of the organ.

Study Design: Animal experimental study.

Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science University of Port Harcourt P.M.B 5323 Port Harcourt Nigeria.

Methods: Alloxan at concentration of 120 mg/kg body weight was used to induce diabetes mellitus. During the experiment, sixty (60) wistar albino rats with weight range of 160-250 g were used and were grouped into 7 groups. The combined extract was administered to the diabetic wistar albino rats at a different combination percentage of 60% (1,800 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera and 40% (600 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus and 40% (1,200 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera and 60% (900 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus respectively. The rest of the diabetic rats were treated with 100% (3,000 mg/kg) Moringa oleifera, 100% (1,500 mg/kg) Pleurotus ostreatus while 7.1 mg/kg of metformin was used as the standard drug. Histological analysis was carried out on the pancreas sections of the experimental animals used in this study to observe the changes in the organ. This was done immediately after the rats were sacrificed. These organs were cut off and placed in a sample holder containing 10% formal saline. The 10% formal saline kills any bacteria present and ensures that the tissue does not rot or damage. The slides were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stains. After staining, the sections were prepared for microscopic examination. The slides were then viewed under a microscope.

Results: After 6 weeks of treatment, it was observed that there was obvious regeneration of pancreatic islet with large number of cells and normal acini.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the combined ethanol extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus and Moringa oleifera produced a significant pancreatic regeneration in diabetic rats.