Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Insulin Producing Cells Using the Extracts of Allium ursinum and Silybum marianum

Abstract

Background and purpose: Today, increased rate of demand for insulin is predictable due to increasing cases of diabetics in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to develop economic approaches and increasing the production of insulin for the future and medicinal plants could be regarded as a promising prospect for insulin production. Materials and methods: The Allium ursinum and Silybum marianum were collected. Each herbarium was identified in School of Pharmacy affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and the extract was used by percolation with 70% ethanol extraction, after the solvent was evaporated by using the rotary. After the successful isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), Wharton's jelly was derived and approved. Then, the mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated to pancreatic beta cells with two herbal extracts. Results: Compared with the control group, there was a significant difference between the levels of insulin in the culture medium obtained from the two plants (P= 0.0001). In addition, via specific dithizone staining, the insulin producing cells (IPCs) were proven. Conclusion: The extracts of Allium ursinum and Silybum marianum were found capable in inducing differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly into IPCs. Allium ursinum was seen with the highest rate of insulin production, while Silybum marianum had the lowest rate of insulin production, therefore, Allium ursinum could be more effective in treatment of diabetes.

Keywords

• mesenchymal stem cells
• insulin producing cells
• allium ursinum
• silybum marianum