Abstract

Etim O.E, Bassey E.I*, Ita, S.O, Udonkang, I.C,5 Etim, I. E and Jackson, I.L

The modulatory effects of sweet almond extract on lipid peroxidation, serum lipids, and histology of pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats was studied. Serum lipids and lipid peroxidation levels were determined using appropriate chemical techniques. Total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) activities significantly increased in the diabetic groups of animals treated with 300mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of sweet almond extract in a dose dependent fashion while high density lipoprotein (HDL) showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease. Triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein (V L D L) and lipid peroxidation (LP) decreased significantly. Modulatory activity of sweet almond on the histology of the pancreas of diabetic wistar rats treated with 300 mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight of sweet almond extract was significant and pronounced compared to the untreated diabetic group of animals. There was a corresponding regeneration of acinar cells and the islet cells of Langerhans with prominent nuclei, an indication of restored function. The antilipid peroxidation and serum lipid modulatory activities of sweet almond extract shows ability to protect, reduce pancreatic damage and risk of diabetic complication.