Effect of Aqueous Seed Extract of Terminalia catappa Linn on Some Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
C. D. Luka *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
G. Istifanus
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
A. Olatunde
Department of Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
Z. Eli
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study is aimed at determining the anti-diabetic activity of aqueous seed extract of Terminalia catappa Linn on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were administered orally with aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa Linn seed at 400 mg/kg for 28 days, after which the blood glucose, total protein, albumin, liver function indices marker enzymes, lipid profile and serum electrolytes were determined and compared with normal control. Administration of aqueous seed extract of T. catappa Linn to the diabetic rats caused a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in the level of blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglyceride (TG), activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and a significant (p< 0.05) increase in the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein and albumin when compared with the control group. The results from this study suggested that the aqueous seed extract of Terminalia catappa Linn possesses anti-diabetic activity and could be used for the management of diabetes and other metabolic derangement associated with it.
Keywords: Terminalia catappa Linn, aqueous, extract, alloxan, diabetes mellitus