Antioxidant and Hypoglycaemic Effects of Cocos nucifera Husk Extracts in Streptozocin- Induced Diabetic Albino Rats.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease syndrome promoting increased production of free radicals that are implicated in its complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects of Cocos nucifera Husk Extracts in Streptozocin- Induced Diabetic Albino Rats. The inverse relationship between antioxidant and free radicals’ generation within the biological system has long been documented. A total of 21 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 7 rats each as follows; Diabetic control, Non-Diabetic
control and Diabetic treated with 200mg of Cocos nucifera husk extracts. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined as marker for oxidative stress in accordance with a standard method of Nadigar and Colleagues while glucose was determined by Glucose oxidase method. The result of the current study shows a statistical decrease (p<0.005) in the MDA levels in diabetics rats treated with 200mg of C. nucifera extracts compared to the untreated Diabetic controls. The serum levels of blood glucose significantly reduced after supplementation of the extract in the Diabetic treated with 200mg of Cocos nucifera husk extracts compared to the untreated Diabetic controls. Cocos nucifera husk extract according to the findings possess both hypoglycemic and antioxidant capabilities.