Ameliorative impact of Morus alba leaves' aqueous extract against embryonic ophthalmic tissue malformation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming a serious threat to human health. Morus alba var. multicaulis (Perr.) Loudon (Moraceae) showed a bright future in DM therapy. Objective: The study evaluates the antioxidant activity of Morus alba leaves aqueous extract (MLAE) and antidiabetic properties of MLAE in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats focusing on the ameliorative effects against embryogenesis defects. Materials and methods: MLAE was assayed for bioactive compounds, and antiradical potential. MLAE (100 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to albino rats. DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The pregnant rats were arranged into 4 groups including control pregnant (C), MLAE-treated group (M), experimental diabetic group (D), and combined diabetic with MLAE-treated group (D-MLAE). The experiment performed in about six months. Results: TPC in MLAE accounted for 11 mg GAE/g dry weight (dw) while vitamin C and beta-carotene amounts were 144 and 0.1 mg/100 g, respectively. MLAE exhibited DPPH center dot, NO center dot and O center dot(-)(2) radical scavenging activities. Treatment of diseased-rats with MLAE resoluted serum glucose levels (378 mg/dL), wherein glucose recorded the highest level (830 mg/dL) in DM mothers. DM rats recorded the highest level of TC, TG, HDLc, LDLc, and CK, while MLAE treatment reduced those levels. DM rats recorded the highest level of MDA, H2O2, SOD, CAT, GST, GSPase, GSH, GOT, GPT, albumin, bilirubin, arginase, and alpha -L-fucosidase, while MLAE reduced those levels. Histological photomicrographs of maternal retina showed degenerated ganglionic cells, and neovascularization of nerve fiber layer with edematous inner plexiform layer, and partial loss outer plexiform layer in DM rats. Conclusion: MLAE could be used to ameliorate DM. Thus, it might be considered as useful dietary supplements in diabetic patients.