ANTIDIABETIC PROPENSITY OF Tetracarpidium conophorum (AFRICAN WALNUT) SEED IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) refers to a metabolic condition that could lead to high morbidity and mortality. Current therapies for DM are not without adverse effects and do not restore normal glucose balance. Consequently, this investigation aimed to assess the anti-diabetic propensity of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty-six Wistar rats were split into six groups of six rats each. Rats in groups 2 to 6 were induced with 150 mg/kg of Alloxan monohydrate. Animals in groups 1 and 2 were untreated; those in group 3 were administered Glibenclamide, while animals in groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of Tetracarpidium conophorum for 21 days. Blood glucose level and lipid profile were evaluated at the end of the period in all studied groups. In comparison to the normal control group and the diabetic control group, Tetracarpidium conophorum seed-extract administration resulted in lower glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C, and VLDL levels, while also increasing HDL levels (P0.05). Therefore, it may be inferred that consumption Tetracarpidium conophorum seed extracts orally for 21 days at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg each had positive effects on hypoglycemia. Further evidence that it may be helpful in the management and prevention of diabetes came from its effects on blood lipids and glucose levels in diabetic rats.