Abstract

Shaimaa M. Eldeighdye*, Salwa N. A. Mater*, H. M. Essam and Heba A. H. Abd Elhameed

ABSTRACT

Background: the treatment of diabetes has been the subject of several studies. Still, many have long wondered if there is a cost-effective approach to stop or significantly lower the number of cases of diabetes. Given that hibiscus has been linked to a wide range of therapeutic benefits, it was crucial to look into how effective it is as an antioxidant in reducing the prevalence of diabetes. Aims: The goal of the present study is to investigate whether irradiated hibiscus powder protects pancreatic cells from the damaging effects of streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: Twenty-one adult female albino rats were equally assigned into three groups. Group 1 served as a control group and received only water and a standard rat diet. Group 2 was diabetic and also received just water and a standard rat diet. Group 3 was diabetic and also received a standard rat diet plus water mixed with 10% irradiated hibiscus extract (v/v).Then after five weeks, Type 2 diabetes was induced in overnight fasted rats of G2 and G3 by STZ. At the end of the experiment, blood, liver, and pancreatic samples were collected for biochemical, molecular analyses as well as histological study. Results: Group 2 had significantly higher glucose levels after STZ induction compared to group 3. Moreover, there are significant increases in liver enzymes, inflammatory agent, cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as impaired liver functions in group 2 compared with others. Moreover, relative to group 3, there is a substantial reduction in molecular as well as histological damage compared with group 2. In Conclusion: For the first time, irradiated hibiscus, attracts attention to play a vital and cost effective role against diabetes incidence by STZ. This could give rise to the hope of using hibiscus as a safer, more cost-effective, and efficient beverage to decrease the spread of diabetes on a large scale.