The Effect of Seed Aqueous Extracts of Select Varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. on the Blood Glucose Levels of Hyperglycemic White Rats

Abstract

The study analyzed the reduction potential of seed extracts in blood glucose levels among hyperglycemic induced rats. This is to explore a new direction in the field of treating hyperglycemia. The selected species of seed Phaseolus vulgaris were chosen to confirm the potential of using such seeds to reduce blood glucose levels. White albino rats were the animals used in the study. Blood glucotest was conducted to determine the anti-hyperglycemic potentials of the seed extracts. Each seed extract had three replicates and the fasting glucose levels, blood glucose levels after injection of 40% glucose solution and hyperglycemic blood glucose levels were determined after administration of the seed extracts and metformin at 30 minutes interval (30 mins, 60 mins, and 90 mins) using the tail venipuncture method. The blood samples were tested using the One Touch glucometer machine and strips. The weighted mean and decrease of the three replicates in each seed treatment were computed. In the tests that were done, the seed extracts showed promising results in decreasing the blood glucose level at rates that rival the synthetic drug metformin. There is great potential in the seed extracts for the possibility of improving and rendering a new generation of anti-hyperglycemic drug. The study presented results that can later be used to improve or enhance the potential in alternative drugs. Keywords: Blood glucose levels, Phaseolus vulgaris, hyperglycemia, seed extracts, experimental design, Philippines