Antidiabetic effect of Pistacia atlantica and Amygdalus scoparia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health concern worldwide. Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative system of medicine for treatment of DM. Pistacia atlantica and Amygdalus scoparia have a long history as a medicinal plant since the ancient times. The present study evaluated the differential effects of N-hexane extraction of these plants on the blood glucose concentration and the pathology of the pancreas in diabetic mice. DM was induced in 40 out of 50 adult female mice, using intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW streptozotocin. The diabetic mice were assigned into four groups, three of which were treated with extract of garlic and P. atlantica, A. scoparia, and glibenclamide (200 mg/kg) for 15 days and the mice of the fourth group, as the untreated group, received ordinary diet. Ten nondiabetic mice remained as the normal control group. The results of this study indicate that these plants were able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control diabetic group (P < 0.05). The P. atlantica extract was found to be more effective than A. scoparia extract. Histopathologically, streptozotocin (STZ) resulted in severe necrotic changes in the pancreatic islets, especially in the central area of the islets. Tissue sections of the pancreas in the treated mice demonstrated improved regeneration of B cells and increased size of pancreatic islets. The present study indicated a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect of P. atlantica, A. scoparia, and supported their traditional usage in the treatment of DM.