Evaluation of hypoglycemic effect of Morus alba in an animal model

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of mulberry leaves in an animal model of diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were treated with mulberry leaf extract 400 mg and 600 mg/kg body weight for 35 days. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, HDL, blood urea, cholesterol, number of β cells, and diameter of the islets of Langerhans were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Blood glucose level and other parameters (except HDL) were elevated in the diabetic group, but were brought to control group level in the diabetic group treated with 600 mg/kg body weight of mulberry leaf extract. The diameter of the islets and the number of β cells were reduced in the diabetic group; both parameters were brought to control group level after treatment with mulberry leaf extract. CONCLUSION: Mulberry leaf extract, at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight, has therapeutic effects in diabetes-induced Wistar rats and can restore the diminished β cell numbers.