Negligible Protection of Pancreas by Topical Curcumin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Wounded Rats

Damage or non-functioning of beta cells of Langerhans is lets of pancreas causes Type I diabetes. Curcumin, a bioflavonoid, have shown some tissue regenerative properties. It has shown a very good wound healing actions in diabetic animals after topical applications. In view of this, we planned to study the regenerative action of curcumin on damaged pancreas of diabetic rats after its topical applications on wounds. Damage of pancreas and induction of Type I diabetes in rats was achieved by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60mg/kg b.wt.). Thereafter, open excisional wounds were created and wounded rats were divided into three groups viz. i) healthy control (non-diabetic), ii) Diabetic control and iii) Diabetic-treated. Pluronic F-127 gel (25%) was applied topically on wounds of group I and II once daily for 19 days. Curcumin (0.3%) in gel was topically applied similarly on group III. Average body weight gain was less and blood glucose levels were high in group II and III. There were also higher levels of MDA in group II and III. Histopathologically, atrophy and loss of intactness of beta cells of langerhans is lets in the pancreas were evident in group II and III, as compared to group I. In conclusion, topical applications of curcumin on wounds of diabetic rats did not able to prevent the damage of beta cells of the pancreas produced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60mg/kg b.wt.). In future, the other higher or lower concentrations of curcumin and their nano-formulations may be tried to evaluate the protective actions.