Ameliorative effect of Citrus aurantifolia and Cinnamomum burmannii extracts on diabetic complications in a hyperglycemic rat model

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of Citrus aurantifolia and Cinnamomum burmannii extracts (Jermanis) on the number of pancreatic β-cells and levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), low-density lipoprotein(LDL), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in β-cells.Methods: Various doses of a combination of extracts of C. aurantifolia and C. burmannii were given orally to 25 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) every 2 h for 30 days. Doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg/day C. aurantifolia extract were considered low, medium and high doses, respectively, while, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day C. burmannii extract were considered low, medium and high doses, respectively. LDL and SOD levels in blood serum were analyzed spectrophotometrically. TGF-β expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Pancreatic tissue sections (diameter of a β-cell) were evaluated by light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: The combination of C. aurantifolia and C. burmannii extracts increased SOD levels, TGF-β expression and the number of β-cells and decreased LDL levels in hyperglycemic rats. The results indicate that the highest doses of C. aurantifolia and C. burmannii increased the number of β-cells in the islets of Langerhans. The combined extracts of C. aurantifolia and C. burmannii significantly affected pancreatic cell regeneration.Conclusion: The combination of C. aurantifolia and C. burmannii extracts may be a promising alternative preventative medicine for management of diabetic complications in patients with hyperglycemia.Keywords: β-cell, Diabetes, Diabetic complications, Citrus aurantifolia, Cinnamomum burmannii, Biochemical profile, TGF-β expression