Effect of Carob Aqueous Extract on Boron, Copper, Zinc, Iron, and Vitamin C Levels in Brain, Heart, Liver, and Kidney Tissues of Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

The utilization of medicinal plants in diabetes mellitus treatment is increasing owing to their effectiveness and safety compared to synthetic drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of carob on tissue trace element levels, vitamin C concentrations, and histopathological alterations in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. Rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control, diabetes, carob, and diabetes + carob. Following diabetes induction, rats in the diabetes + carob group were treated with carob aqueous extract during the experimental period. At the end of the study, tissue samples from the brain, liver, heart, and kidney were collected from rats. The samples were analyzed to determine vitamin C levels as well as trace elements, including boron (B), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe). Additionally, histopathological changes in collected tissues were examined. Diabetes significantly reduced vitamin C levels in brain and kidney tissues (p < 0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in the heart and liver (p > 0.05). Carob extract administration significantly increased tissue vitamin C levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Additionally, both diabetes and carob aqueous extract administration were found to alter tissue trace mineral composition. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that carob aqueous extract can have an effect on tissue vitamin C and some trace mineral levels in normal and diabetic rats.