Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is among the most prevalent
and costly chronic diseases in the world. Unfortunately, immediate
prospects for a cure are not available. We aimed to determine the in
vivo antidiabetic activity, histologic, and biochemical effect of
Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract on alloxan-induced diabetes in
Wistar rats.
METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were allotted into six groups
(n=6). Group I was normal control. Group II was induced with
diabetes but not treated.Groups III-V were induced with diabetes
and treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg extracts while Group VI
was treated with Metformin once daily for 14 days. Animals were
euthanized, and blood samples were collected for biochemical
assays. The liver, kidney, pancreas, and testis were excised and
processed by the paraffin wax method.
RESULT: Oral administration of BA extract significantly (P<0.05)
reduced blood glucose, liver enzymes, and creatinine levels in
diabetic animals. The extract also improved the body weights of
diabetic animals and microscopic anatomy of the pancreas, testis,
liver, and kidney parenchyma compared to the control.
CONCLUSION: Balanites aegyptiaca phytochemicals reduced
blood glucose level and improved the histology of the liver, kidney,
pancreas, and testis. Further study is recommended to identify the
phytochemicals and mechanism of action.
