Effect of <i>Cola acuminate</i> on Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Haemoglobin in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The levels of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHB) were studied in 42 Wistar rats divided into three groups; controls, group A and group B. Control rats consumed only feeds, group A consumed 0.04g of Cola acuminate, while group B consumed 0.08g of Cola acuminate mixed with their feeds daily for six consecutive weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly for analysis. Baseline values increased by 22% for blood glucose in group A and by 29% in group B. GHB also increased relatively and correlated well with blood glucose in group A (r = 0.70; P < 0.05) and in group B (r = 0.73; P < 0.05). Regular kolanut consumption elevates blood glucose and GHB levels, while withdrawal returns these parameters progressively to pre-kolanut consumption levels.

Key words: kolanut diet, rat blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 41 - 44