Diabetes mellitus is one of the chronic metabolic diseases whose control remains a challenge. Its increased incidence was mainly attributed to increased environmental contamination. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of feeding clover microgreen (CM) on a diabetes model with or without aflatoxin exposure. Rats were distributed into 8 groups. G1 was a control group. G2 was fed CM. G3 was administered aflatoxin orally. G4 was fed clover and administered aflatoxin. G5 was diabetic rats. G6 was diabetic rats fed CM. G7 was diabetic rats administered aflatoxin. G8 was diabetic rats administered aflatoxin and fed CM. Phytochemical analysis of the CM showed that gardenin was the most common compound. The administration of aflatoxin aggravated diabetes. The groups fed CM showed a decreased glucose concentration compared to the unfed groups. Liver and kidney function parameters were improved by CM. The histopathological alteration of the pancreas, liver, and kidneys was relieved in CM-fed groups. The area % of insulin in islets of Langerhans was increased in CM-fed groups. Feeding CM also enhanced the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, CM improved all evaluated parameters in diabetic rats either exposed to aflatoxin or not compared to the control.
Keywords: aflatoxin; clover; diabetes; histopathology; insulin; phytochemicals.
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