Antihyperglycemic and renal protective activities of <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> (anacardiaceae) leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Earlier studies from our laboratory have indicated hypoglycaemic action of Anacardium occidentale (AO) leaves in experimental type 1 diabetes. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats had been shown to be associated with functional and/or morphological changes in the kidney. Therefore, in the present investigation, we carried out studies on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes in rats chronically treated with Anacardium occidentale on the functional and histological alterations of kidneys. Albino rats were divided into 7 groups (n=5) receiving graded doses of hexane extract of Anacardium occidentale leaf by gavage, (150 and 300 mg/kg/day) and insulin (5 IU/kg). Renal ultrastructure was studied by measuring: diameter of Bowman\'s capsule, distribution and total area occupied by glomerular capillaries, PAS positive structures. AO at the dose of 300 mg/kg/day, showed significant reduction (P