Effects of chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) extract on pancreatic B cells in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var, cicla) is used as a hypoglycemic agent by diab etic patients in Turkey. The present study was carried out in order to dete ct whether this plant, used in folk remedies for decreasing blood glucose l evels, affects pancreatic B cells and blood glucose. In the diabetic group, a decrease in the number of B cells of Langerhans islets and in the secret ory materials, a swollen granular endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and widen ed intercellular areas in some of B cells were observed. But, in a diabetic group given chard extract, an increase in the number of B cells of Langerh ans islets and in the secretory granules were noted, together with many hyp ertrophic Golgi apparatus and granules of low densities. The extract while having no effect on blood glucose and body weight in the normal group, redu ced the blood glucose value in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic animals . But, in a diabetic group given chard, the body weight significantly incre ased in comparison to the diabetic group; maximum reduction in blood glucos e levels was observed on the 42nd day. According to the morphological and b iochemical results obtained, it is concluded that the extract of this plant when administered by gavage may reduce blood glucose levels by regeneratio n of the B cells. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.