Effect of ground coffee beans extract on the histological structures of alloxan induced diabetes female albino rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is known to cause progressive damage to several vital organs, prompting the need for innovative treatment alternatives. Methods: This study explores the protective effects of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) in comparison with metformin in managing tissue damage caused by alloxan-induced diabetes, focusing specifically on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Thirty (30) adult female albino rats (weighing approximately 125±5g) were used. After a three-week acclimatization period, the animals were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 served as the normal control, while Group 2 received 120 mg/kg alloxan to induce diabetes without further treatment. Groups 3 and 4 were treated with alloxan followed by GCBE at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Group 5 received alloxan and 50 mg/kg of metformin. All treatments were administered orally for six weeks. Standard histological methods were employed to assess tissue samples from the heart, kidneys, and liver. Results: The results showed a dose-dependent improvement in tissue integrity among treated groups. The group that received 400 mg/kg GCBE showed notable protective effects: reduced kidney glomerulosclerosis (p<0.05), less fibrosis in cardiac tissues, and improved liver morphology with reduced fat accumulation. However, the 200 mg/kg dose provided only marginal protection and was associated with persistent pancreatic β-cell deterioration. Metformin treatment showed targeted renal improvement but offered limited protection for cardiac and liver tissues. Histological scoring further confirmed the enhanced efficacy of 400 mg/kg GCBE (e.g., kidney score: 1.2±0.3 vs. diabetic control 3.8±0.5). Conclusion: These findings suggest that GCBE, especially at higher doses, contains beneficial phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acids that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation linked to diabetic complications. Therefore, GCBE shows promise as an adjunct therapy for organ damage associated with diabetes, with the 400 mg/kg dose emerging as the most effective.