The Effect of Aegle marmelos Fruit Extract in Streptozotocin Diabetes: A Histopathological Study

Aegle marmelos Correa. (Bael) fruit exhibit antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant properties. This study was designed to elucidate the protective effect of an aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos fruits on the histopathology of the pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of Aegle marmelos fruit extract at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg twice daily to diabetic rats for a period of 30 days resulted in a significant increase in body weight, weight of the pancreas and insulin levels associated with a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels. The fruit extract treated groups showed improved functional state of the pancreatic β-cells and partially reversed the damage caused by streptozotocin to the pancreatic islets. The findings of our study indicate that Aegle marmelos fruit extract exhibits protective effects on the pancreas. The effects observed in the fruit extract treated animals were better those in animals treated with glibenclamide (300 μg/kg).