Study of the effect of Panax ginseng extract on histomorphometric changes on cerebrum and cerebellum in 14 days offsprings rat from diabetic mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational diabetes induces developmental disorders in different parts of CNS and can change dimensions of the cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cord. Different species of ginseng have been used for many years to control diabetes. This study investigated effect of extract of Panax ginseng on histomorphometric changes on cerebrum and cerebellum in 14 days offsprings rat from diabetic mothers. Methods: 16 rats were divided into four groups: non-diabetic control, non-diabetic recipient of the extract, diabetic control and diabetic recipient of the extract. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in diabetic groups and all 4 groups became pregnant. During pregnancy, recipient of the extract groups received ginseng extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight every day. 14 days of normal delivery; offsprings were anesthetized. The cerebrum and cerebellum was removed by cutting the skull. After the using the techniques of histology, Thickness of gray matter, thickness of white matter, the number of cells in the gray matter in 1 mm2, the number of cells in white matter in 1 mm2, the ratio of gray matter to white matter (in cerebrum and cerebellum), molecular layer thickness of cerebrum in gray matter, purkinje cell thickness in gray matter in cerebellum were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software and ANOVA and Duncan statistical tests (P≤0.05). Results: A significant reduction was observed in thickness and cell count of gray matter of cerebrum and cell count of white matter of cerebellum in diabetic control group than non-diabetic groups (control and recipient of the extract groups) (P≤0.05). Also a significant reduction was observed in cell count of white matter of cerebrum in diabetic control group than other groups (non-diabetic control, non-diabetic recipient of the extract and diabetic recipient of the extract groups) (P≤0.05). Conclusion:  Extract of Panax ginseng can control hyperglycemia and reduce disorders on the cerebrum and cerebellum in offsprings of mothers with gestational diabetes by increasing insulin production, inhibition of insulin resistance, increasing β-cells stimulation and reduction of blood sugar. So this plant can be offered as a suitable option for making a medicine to combat gestational diabetes.   &nbsp