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An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
An extract from date seeds having a hypoglycemic effect. Is it safe to use?
Ahmed F El Fouhil1, Aly M Ahmed, Hasem H Darwish
1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ahmedfathala@hotmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Date seed extract is safe for liver and kidney health. Combining insulin with date seed extract helps reduce diabetes-related organ damage in rats.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Diabetology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus poses significant health risks, particularly to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
- Investigating natural compounds for their therapeutic potential in managing diabetes and its complications is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of date seed extract (DSE) administration.
- To compare the toxic effects of diabetes on rats treated with insulin versus those treated with a combination of insulin and DSE.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 100 rats divided into five groups: control, DSE only, insulin-treated diabetic, insulin + DSE treated diabetic, and DSE-only treated diabetic.
- Biochemical analysis of serum markers (ALT, AST, GGT, BUN, creatinine) and histological examination of liver and kidney tissues were performed.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats treated with insulin alone (Group 3) showed significantly elevated serum levels of liver and kidney function markers compared to control and DSE-treated groups.
- Rats receiving insulin combined with DSE (Group 4) exhibited serum levels comparable to the control and DSE-only groups.
- Histopathological examination revealed normal liver and kidney tissues in control, DSE-only, and insulin + DSE groups, while significant damage was observed in the insulin-only diabetic group.
Conclusions:
- Date seed extract administration is safe for the liver and kidneys.
- The combination of insulin and date seed extract effectively mitigates the toxic effects of diabetes on these organs, suggesting a protective role for DSE.
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