Effect of leaf extract of Aegle marmelose (L.) Correa ex Roxb. on histological and ultrastructural changes in tissues of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Light and electron microscopic examination of tissues of rats rendered diabetic with a smaller dose of 45 mg/kg of body weight of streptozotocin were carried out in the present study. The dose of the drug given altered the function of pancreatic beta-cells and the acinar cells. The changes in the acinar cells were coarsening of endoplasmic reticulation (ER) and alterations in their secretory function. The changes in the liver were (1) dialation of veins, (2) loss of usual concentric arrangement of hepatocytes, (3) liver fibrosis and (4) decrease in glycogen content. The kidney tubules were thickened and the glomerulus was expanded. The leaf extract of Aegle marmelose reversed the altered parameters to near normal. The treatment of leaf extract on diabetic pancreas showed improved functional state of pancreatic beta-cells. The results indicate the potential hypoglycemic nature of the leaf extract, helping in regeneration of damaged pancreas.