Protective effects of Allium stipitatum Regel. extract against streptozotocin-induced cytotoxicity in pancreatic beta cells: Implications for diabetes management

Introduction: Allium stipitatum is used against diabetes but its protective effects on beta cells remain unclear. This study investigated the cytoprotective and antioxidative effects of A. stipitatum extract in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced beta-cell injury model. Methods: Allium stipitatum methanol extract was prepared and tested at ۱۰ µg/mL on cultured pancreatic beta cells, alone or in combination with STZ (۱۰۰ µM). Cell viability (Trypan blue test), insulin secretion (ELISA), nitric oxide (NO) levels (Griess method), and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP assay) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s test (P<۰.۰۵). Results: STZ significantly reduced insulin secretion (From ۴۵.۷±۰.۳۸ to ۲۱.۴۷ ± ۰.۷۸ mU/L) (P<۰.۰۵) in STZ group, while A. stipitatum extract increased it to ۴۰.۷ ± ۰.۴۱ mU/L (P<۰.۰۵) in the extract group. Additionally, in all four groups where the extract was applied (extract, extract + STZ (pre-treatment), STZ + extract (post-treatment), and extract – STZ (co-treatment), the extract increased insulin secretion levels. Beta-cell viability declined with STZ (From ۳۳۶۳۳±۱۵۳۷ to ۱۱۵۰۰ ± ۵۷۷ cells) but improved with extract treatment to ۲۶۵۰۰ ± ۱۶۲۶ (P<۰.۰۵). Although the extract did not significantly enhance total antioxidant capacity, it markedly reduced NO levels, particularly in extract + STZ group (P<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Allium stipitatum extract supports beta-cell survival and insulin secretion in STZ-induced pancreatic damage, indicating potential therapeutic applications in diabetes management. Further studies are needed to identify active compounds and optimize its use.