Histological investigation of aqueous extract of cactus on the heart of diabetic Wistar rats

This study aimed to examine the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cactus on the Heart of Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between (160-200) g were randomly grouped into five consisting of six rats each viz: A. normal control, B. diabetic only, C. diabetic treated with Cactus, and D. diabetes treated with Metformin only, and E. Cactus extract only. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin of 70mg/kg/body weight. After 72 hours of uninterrupted diabetes (blood glucose≥ 7 mmol), aqueous extracts of Cactus and Metformin were administered orally at 100 mg/kg body weight daily for four weeks and blood glucose level was recorded weekly. After four weeks of extract administration, animals were sacrificed by euthanasia. Organs were weighed and their weight was recorded. Data were analyzed using excel and one-way ANOVA.

The findings of this study showed that the blood glucose level of Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes + Metformin were significant when compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). The body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes+ Metformin when compared to the diabetic group was significant P<0.05. Histological findings showed a normal control group had normal histoarchitecture with numerous healthy cardiomyocytes and normal distribution of collagen. Diabetic groups showed many degenerating cardiomyocytes and numerous depositions of collagen. Diabetes +Cactus and Metformin treated groups showed little disruption.

Aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the heart of adult male Wistar rats against the damage initiated by diabetes.