International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 10, October 2026 | pp. 127–135

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001015

Research Article

Title: Histomorphometric Profile of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Mass Remodeling in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Moringa oleifera Extract

Names of Authors: F. E. Harrison¹, A. B. Ahmad²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
² Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

Abstract:
Preserving and regenerating pancreatic beta-cell mass is an essential therapeutic target in diabetes mellitus research. This study investigated the restorative properties of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract on the histological architecture of pancreatic islets in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (n = 10): Normal Control, Diabetic Control (STZ, 55 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal dose), and Moringa-treated Diabetic group (300 mg/kg/day orally for 6 weeks). Pancreatic tissues were sectioned and processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and insulin immunohistochemistry to evaluate beta-cell mass. The Diabetic Control group exhibited structural islet degeneration, characterized by cellular vacuolation, leukocyte infiltration, and a 68% reduction in functional islet volume compared to normal controls (p < 0.01). Daily administration of Moringa oleifera extract to diabetic rats limited islet architecture breakdown and significantly expanded the mean islet area (42,500 ± 2,800 μm² vs. 18,200 ± 1,500 μm² in the untreated diabetic group; p < 0.05). Quantitative immunohistochemistry confirmed a significant increase in the percentage of insulin-positive beta-cells within the islets (54% ± 4.5% vs. 22% ± 3.1% in diabetic controls; p < 0.01), corresponding with lower fasting blood glucose levels. These findings indicate that Moringa oleifera extract supports beta-cell cellular preservation and structural regeneration, demonstrating its potential as an adjunct therapy for diabetes management.

Keywords: Pancreatic islets, Beta-cell mass, Streptozotocin, Moringa oleifera, Histomorphometry.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 20, 2026; Revised: September 05, 2026; Accepted: September 25, 2026; Published: October 26, 2026.

Citation: Harrison FE, Ahmad AB. Histomorphometric Profile of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Mass Remodeling in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Moringa oleifera Extract. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(10): 127–135. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001015

Subscribe to read the full article: https://mail.internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read