Background and objective: Information about the Artocarpus altilis leaf as an antidiabetic associated with the active compounds Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) is still limited. This study was conducted to determine the effects of ethanolic extract of A. altilis leaves decoction and GABA on blood glucose levels and insulin expression of beta-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Material and methods: This study was done by using completely randomized design and male Sprague Dewley rats. The rats were devided into normal control group and diabetic rats groups. Levels of bood glucose were measured using strip rapid test. The insulin expression in beta-cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Quantitative data were analyzed using ANOVA at 5% confidence level.
Results: The result indicated that 50 mg k-1 b.wt., GABA, 400 and 800 mg k-1 b.wt., ethanolic extract of A. altilis leaves decreased the level of blood glucose and increased the insulin expression in pancreas beta-cells.
Conclusion: The GABA and ethanolic extract of A. altilis leaves with a minimum dose of 400 mg k-1 b.wt., can be used as an antidiabetic. Pancreas is the target organ was affected by GABA and A. altilis leaves as antidiabetic agents. Results of this study may support the development of research on the potency of GABA in natural materials as antidiabetic particularly type 1 diabetes.
Keywords: Artocarpus altilis; Diabetes; GABA; IHC; beta-cell; blood glucose; insulin; pancreas; streptozotocin.