The Anti-Diabetic Effect of Hibiscus Cannabinus Extract on the Submandibular Salivary Gland of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effect of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn leaf extract on thehistological structure of the submandibular salivary gland in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Materials andMethods: Three groups consisting of 10adult male albino rats each were used in this experiment. Group, I servedas the control, whereas group II consisted of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Finally, in group III, each alloxaninduced diabetic rat received an oral daily dose of methanolic extract of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn leaves equalto 400mg/kg body weight for four weeks after diabetes induction, using the same dose and like that of group II.In all groups, the rats were sacrificed four weeks after the experiment was initiated. The submandibular salivaryglands were dissected, prepared, and stained with H&E for light microscopy examination. Results:Histopathological examination of the submandibular salivary glands in group II (the diabetic group) revealed aloss of the standard glandular architecture involving the entire structure of the glands, including the acini, ductsystem, connective tissue stroma, and blood vessels. Also, severe degenerative changes with an accumulation ofnumerous intracytoplasmic vacuoles affecting the serous acini and duct system were observed as compared togroup 1. Most of these alterations and degenerative changes disappeared or were markedly decreased in groupIII (the diabetic group treated with Hibiscus cannabinus Linn extract). Conclusions: Hibiscus cannabinus Linnleaf extract had a noticeable anti¬diabetic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic alterations in the submandibularsalivary glands of rats. Hence, Hibiscus cannabinus Linn leaves may be beneficial as a dietary supplement forreducing diabetes complications. Also, Hibiscus cannabinus Linn leaf extract can serve as a promising herbalmedicine due to its effectiveness and safety.