Abstract
Medicinal plants are considered an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus as they regulate glucose levels. Moreover, a variety of plants offer a rich source of bioactive compounds that have potent pharmacological effects without any negative side effects. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of Arabic gum/Gum Acacia (GA) on the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes observed in diabetic rats. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of GA in response to diabetes, through inflammatory mediators analysis. Male rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, diabetic, Arabic gum-treated, and Arabic gum-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan. Animals were sacrificed after 7 and 21 days of treatment with Arabic gum. Body weight, blood and pancreas tissue samples were collected for analysis. Alloxan injection significantly decreased body weight, increased glucose levels, decreased insulin levels, and caused depletion of islets of Langerhans and β-cell damage in the pancreas. Arabic gum treatment of diabetic rats significantly increased body weight, decreased serum glucose levels, increased insulin levels, exerts anti-inflammatory effect, and improved the pancreas tissue structure. Arabic gum has beneficial pharmacological effects in diabetic rats; therefore, it might be employed as diabetic therapy to reduce the hyperglycemic damage and may be applicable for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment. Further, the new bioactive substances, such as medications made from plants, have larger safety margins, and can be used for a longer period of time.