Normoglycaemic Action of Ficus exasperata vahl. Leaf-Based Diet on Fructose and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
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Date
2018
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Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus has continued to increase globally. This has imposed considerable burdens on patients,
families and society. The aim of this study was to evaluate the normoglycaemic potential of Ficus exasperata vahl leaf-based diet
(FELD) on fructose and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty-eight (48) albino rats were randomly selected into 8 groups
designated A - H and treated as follows: A (non-diabetic untreated), B (diabetic untreated) and C (diabetic and metformin [12.14
mg/kg b.wt.]), while D – H were diabetic rats administered FELD containing the plant to the tune of 100 (10 %), 200 (20 %), 300
(30 %), 400 (40 %) and 500 g/kg (50 %) respectively. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hepatic glucose, glycogen and glycosylated
haemoglobin concentrations, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and β score (HOMA IR and β score) and
hexokinase activity were analysed. Phytochemicals and proximate analyses revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phenolics,
magnesium, zinc, ash, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, fat and moisture. Consumption of 30, 40 and 50 % FELD for 16 days reduced
FBG, hepatic glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations and HOMA IR significantly (p<0.05) in groups D to H when
compared with diabetic untreated animals, while their hepatic glycogen concentration, HOMA β score and hexokinase activity
increased significantly (p<0.05). In conclusion, 30 % FELD elicited normoglycaemic effect and as such FEL can be incorporated
into feed for the management of hyperglyeamia at this dose.
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Keywords
Ficus exasperata, Normoglycemia, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Streptozotocin