SAR Journal of Anatomy and Physiology
Volume-7 | Issue-01
Original Research Article
Study the Physiological Effects of Chia (Salvia hispanica) Seeds Extract on Pancreatic Damage Induced in Male Rats
Mariam K. Chassab, Mustafa G. Kadhim, Fatima H. Fatee
Published : Jan. 30, 2026
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective and curative effects of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed extract (CSE) against STZ-induced pancreatic damage in male Wistar rats. Pancreatic injury was achieved by a single intraperitoneal administration of STZ at 55 mg/kg. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10) including Normal Control group, Diabetic Control group and three treatment groups (CSE-Low; 250 mg/kg, CSE-High; 500 mg/g, Standard-treatment group; Metformin 150 mg/kg). Biochemical indicators of pancreatic activity, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations were analysed after 28 days of daily oral treatment. Results: CSE significantly (P < 0.05) decreased levels of fasting blood glucose whereas concentrations of serum insulin were found to increase after treatment in a dose dependent manner. In addition, CSE treatment also normalized the activity of pancreatic enzymes (serum amylase and lipase) which were significantly altered in diabetic control group. The pancreatic tissue oxidative stress indicator MDA was markedly decreased, and SOD and CAT were significantly increased. These results showed that Salvia hispanica seed extract has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activity which provides a significant protection against pancreatic injury that exerted by chia seeds may be attributed to high contents of phenolic compounds, specifically alpha-linolenic acid.