Glycaemic and Neuromuscular Effect of Cocos nucifera Juice in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Cocos nucifera is a drupe common to both the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or alternatively, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This study investigated the blood glucose homeostatic effect and neuromuscular impact of Cocos nucifera juice in diabetic male wistar rats. Thirty (30) male wistar rats, 160-170 grams, were sampled in six (6) groups of equal numbers and probability of selection. Treatments were water and streptozotocin-induced diabetes for groups A and B; graded doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg of C.nucifera juice for groups C and D and co-treatments of C. nucifera for groups E and F.  Duration of study was 42 days. Neuromuscular function test, using Vertical Grid (VGT) and Fasting blood glucose test were done in 2 and 3 test days of equal interval; days 0, 21 and 42, respectively. Creatine Kinase was assayed on test day 42. There was slight similarity in descent time in 100 mg/kg juice treatment but a significant (P≤0.05) improvement in 200mg/kg. Co-treatment with 200 mg/kg juice caused a significant positive response compared to control. Creatine Kinase was significantly reduced in all treatments except in diabetic groups and Co-treatment with 100 mg/kg. Fasting blood glucose was reduced significantly in 100 and 200 mg/.kg juice treatments but no significant change was observed in both co-treatments. This study revealed that C. nucifera juice treatment may be of medicinal benefit in neuromuscular and glycaemic responses in both normal and disease conditions.