Antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic potentials of ethanol fruit pulp extract of <i>Persea americana</i> (avocado pear) in rats

Abstract

Background: Development of new therapies capable of improving glycaemia and lipid profiles in diabetes management without side effects, reduction in efficacy and toxicity has been of great scientific interest. P. americana seed has been reported to have diverse applications in ethno–medicine, ranging from treatment for diarrhea, dysentery, toothache, intestinal parasites, skin treatment and beautification however there is dearth of information regarding it use in treatment of diabetes and hypolipidemic effect following its use for other purposes.

Aim: Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic potentials of P. americana ethanol fruit pulp extract.

Methods: Phytochemical screening for classes of secondary plant metabolites was done using standard methods. 250 and 500mg/kg of P. americana ethanol fruit pulp extracts were administered to alloxan- induced diabetic rats orally twice daily for 3 weeks. Glycemic levels were checked every 3 days and serum lipid profile assay was carried out at the end of the treatment period.

Results: Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed presence of various classes of phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids and steroids. Both doses of the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels when compared to the control group. The higher dose (500mg/kg) significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins compared with the control. There was also a marginal increase in HDL-Cholesterol.

Conclusion: P. americana ethanol fruit pulp extract reduces hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia associated with type I diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Blood glucose level, serum lipid, phytochemical constituents