Journal of Cytology & Histology

The Effect of Fermented Deglycyrrhizinized Liquorice Extract on the Structure of Gastrocnemius Muscle and Sciatic Nerve in Experimentally Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats: Histopathological Study

Abstract

Ahmad Mohamed Ali Massoud, Faika Hassan El Ebiary, Mona H Raafat, Ghada Galal Hamam and Hany KK Mostafa

Introduction: Skeletal muscles and peripheral nerves are affected in long term diabetes. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice): is a well-known plant used in traditional medicine for its pharmacological value. However, excess consumption of Liquorice can lead to hypertension. Hence, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice extract (DGL) is used to avoid the hypertensive side effects of the glycyrrhizin in whole liquorice. Furthermore, fermentation of Liquorice can produce extra amounts of amylase and lipase alongside a spectrum of flavonoids naturally occurring in liquorice. 
Aim of the study: To investigate the role of the newly innovated fermented deglycyrrhizinized liquorice (FDGL) on the histological structure of gastrocnemius muscle and sciatic nerve in experimentally induced diabetes in rats. 
Materials and methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I (control), group II (diabetic group): induction of diabetes was done by STZ injection. Rats were sacrificed after four weeks. Group III (diabetic and FDGL treated group): diabetic rats were left for two weeks, and then they were treated with FDGL for further two weeks. Gastrocnemius muscles and sciatic nerves were collected and processed for proper light and electron microscopic examinations. Morphometric and statistical studies were also performed.
Results: Histological examination of the rats of group II showed structural changes of the gastrocnemius muscle, including focal areas of muscle disruption, loss of continuity of myofibrils and significant increase of collagen fibers in the endomysium. The sciatic nerve showed significant thickening of the myelin sheath with entrapment of the axons which appeared disrupted. Group III (diabetic and FDGL treated) showed relative restoration of the normal histological structure of both of gastrocnemius muscles and sciatic nerves.
Conclusion: The data obtained from this study revealed that FDGL ameliorated the hazardous effect of diabetes mellitus on the structure of both gastrocnemius muscle and sciatic nerve of rats.