EFFECT OF CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BARK EXTRACT ON GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS IN COMPARISON WITH DIRECT RENIN INHIBITOR (ALISKIREN) AND DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE-IV INHIBITOR (SITAGLIPTIN)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae. Cassia is a member of plant family known as Cinnamon. It is also known as "Java cinnamon", Saigon cinnamon”, "Padang cassia" or as the "Chinese cinnamon". Cinnamon plays role in the management of diabetes and its complications, and also used as an herbal remedy. Cinnamon is one of spice having a long history of use as flavoring agent, preservative and pharmaco-logical remedies. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY:  To determine effects of cinnamon cassia bark extract (CCBE) on glucose homeostasis in alloxan induced diabetic rats.  To compare the effect of CCBE vs. Sitagliptin and Aliskerin on glucose homeostasis in alloxan induced diabetic rats.  To evaluate the anti oxidant activity of CCBE in alloxan induced rats  To compare the anti oxidant effect of CCBE vs. aliskerin and sitagliptin in alloxan induced diabetic rats.  To observe the protective effects of C. cassia on the histology of Islets of Langerhans of Pancreas in comparison to aliskerin and sitagliptin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An experimental – analytical study was conducted at the Isra University, Al-Tibri Medical College and Liaquat University. Sixty Wistar Albino rats of either sex were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into 6 groups comprising of 10 rats in each group which were further subdivided into 5 in each sub group. Cinnamomum cassia barks extract (ethanolic) (CCBE), aliskerin and sitagliptin were given in proper doses. Animal were handled under close supervision during experimentation. The blood samples and pancreatic tissue were stored (-80oC) and processed in a systemic way. Stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) was collected from the local market and authenticated by Botany Department of Sindh University. Blood glucose, serum insulin, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were determined according to standard methods. Pancreatic tissue was stained with H & E for microscopic examination. Collected data was analyzed on SPSS version 21.0. (IBM, corporation, USA) P-value of significance was taken at 0.05. RESULTS: Blood glucose lowering activity of CCBE was observed at both low and high doses of 0.3g/day and 0.6g/day respectively. Glucose homeostasis potential of CCBE was found comparable to sitagliptin. CCBE in combination with sitagliptin revealed more synergistic effect on blood glucose levels. Serum insulin was elevated by CCBE. Antioxidant and tissue protective effects of CCBE were also observed compared to other groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were found elevated in CCBE. The CCBE treated animals revealed intact tissue architecture, pancreatic acini, and visible Islets of Langerhans at both low and high doses. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the Cinnamomum cassia bark extract exerts glucose lowering effects primarily by stimulation of insulin from β-cells of the islets of Langerhans. Microscopic picture of pancreatic histology revealed intact tissue in Cinnamomum cassia treated animals. Regenerating pancreatic tissue and most probably the pancreatic β-cells mass was visibly observed KEYWORDS: Cinnamomum cassia homeostasis Alloxan Diabetic Rats Sitagliptin Aliskerin Glucose