Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum reduces postprandial hyperglycaemia, inhibits α-glucosidase activity and improve histology of pancreatic islets in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Abstract

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteia are generally accrediated as potential antidiabetic agents, but the mechanism of action is still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the result of administration of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum  on alpha glucosidase enzyme, postprandial blood glucose level and histological changes that occur in the pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were induced by STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). The experimental diabetic rats were treated with single dose of L. casei and B. bifidum for 28 days. The diabetic animals of sixth group were treated with standard hypoglycaemic drug, acarbose (10mg/kg body weight). Maltose and starch tolerance test were performed. Treatment demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity, lower postprandial blood glucose level induced by maltose and starch loading in diabetic rats. These results definitely demonstrate that L. casei and B. bifidum have alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity and can reduce blood glucose level after maltose and starch tolerance test. Histological analysis showed treatment protected the function of pancreatic islets and regenerate degenerated cells.