The study aims to evaluate the effects of the stem ethanolic extract of Coscinium
fenestratum on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 and 2 which
served as normal and diabetic controls, respectively, did not receive the
extract. A prevention group (group 3) was daily orally fed
with the extract (250 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks
prior to diabetic induction. A therapeutic group (group 4),
received the extract after the onset symptoms of diabetes. Blood glucose and
body weight were measured every 3 days within further
period of 6 weeks after the extract feeding. Pancreases
were collected and histological evaluated. The results revealed the extract has
the anti-diabetic effects by protection the severe weight loss due to diabetes,
and reduced hyperglycemic. Morphometric analyses of the islets showed no
changes of the mean area of the islets and the distances between the adjacent
islets, implied atrophy was not obvious. Histological profile showed less
damage and more compact arrangement of the islets cells in prevention group
compared to the diabetic control group, whereas in therapeutic group also found
the partial regeneration of the islets cells. The results suggest the compounds
in the extract exert their effects through the protection of cells and
stimulation of cell regeneration. The balanced of damaged and regenerated cells
should improve insulin production and secretion.