Functional beta cell regeneration in the islets of pancreas in alloxan induced diabetic rats by (-)-epicatechin.

(-)-Epicatechin (1), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound was found to have reversed the diabetogenic action of alloxan in albino rats (2). (-)-Epicatechin administration in doses of 30 mg/kg (i.p.) twice daily for 4-5 days in alloxan induced (150 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic albino rats (either sex), has brought down the high blood sugar levels to normal values. Concurrent histological studies of the pancreas of these animals showed regeneration of the beta-cell population of the islets which were earlier necrosed by alloxan. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) studies showed that the regenerated beta-cells of the islets of pancreas are functional in nature.