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Research Paper | Pharmacology and Toxicology | Nigeria | Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022

Fasting Blood - Glucose Lowering Effect of Dacryodes Edulis Seeds Extract

Victoria N. Umeh | Jude N. Okoyeh

Abstract: Background: D. edulis seeds extract is used in the management of hyperglycemia in folkloric medicine but with limited scientific justification. Method: The obtained n - hexane seed extract of D. edulis (NSEDE) was used to carry out acute toxicity (LD50), phytochemical and anti - diabetic studies. Albino rats (20) divided into 4 groups (n=5) were used for anti - diabetic study. Diabetes was induced using Alloxan monohydrate (i. p) at the dose of 150 mg/kbw. Distilled water (10 ml/kg) and Metformin (500 mg/kg) served as negative and positive control respectively. The other two groups received NSEDE 250 and 500 mg/kg (P. O) respectively. Fasting blood sugar levels were recorded at hourly intervals and thereafter on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th day. A histopathological examination of the pancreas was carried out. Results: NSEDE was safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg/bw. There was abundance of secondary metabolites. From the 2nd hour, a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the fasting blood sugar (FBS) was observed when compared to the control group. The daily oral treatment with NSEDE (250 and 500 mg/kg) caused a significant (P<0.05) dose?dependent reduction in the FBS when compared to the control group. There was reversal of the initial reduction in body weight of the animals. Treatment of the diabetic rats with NSEDE (250 and 500 mg/kg) and Metformin (500 mg/kg) revived the damaged pancreas. Conclusion: The folkloric use of the extract as hypoglycemic agent is justified. Recommendation: We recommend fractionation of the seed extract, with possible identification of the major compounds.

Keywords: D edulis seeds, fasting blood sugar, diabetic rats

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 9, September 2022,

Pages: 224 - 231