Hypoglycaemic and Biochemical Effects of the Aqueous and Methanolic Extract of Persea americana Seeds on Alloxan-Induced Albino Rats

Abstract

The increase in the prevalence, complications and cost effect of diabetes management necessitated the search for alternative treatment and a look into the anti-diabetic and biochemical effects of Persea americana seed extract on the liver of diabetic rats. This study was conceived and designed based on the gaps in the research that has been performed and what is known about the plant. The anti-diabetic and biochemical effects of both the water and ethanol extracts of Persea americana (avocado pear) seed on alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats were investigated. The seeds were minced by means of a grater and dried to a constant weight in an oven at 50°C. It is then ground to powder. One hundred grams (100 g) of the sample was extracted with 1000 ml of both water and methanol using the maceration method. The extracts were evaporated to dryness using a rotary evaporator and the extracts stored at 4°C until use. The effects of different doses (200 mg/bw, and 300/bw) of both water and methanol extracts of P. americana seed on alloxan-induced  diabetic albino rats were compared with those of a reference drug, insulin. The glucose level and weight of the rats were measured weekly for 21 days. The liver function tests of the rats were investigated. Results of study showed that the extract possess a significant anti-diabetic effect for both extracts (P < 0.05). However, when compared within the experimental groups, the rats treated with ethanol extracts of P. americana seed showed a better anti diabetic effect. The liver function enzyme parameters showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) and reversed the increased liver function parameters that occurred in alloxan-induced albino diabetic untreated rats, comparable to the effects of insulin. In conclusion, the present study provides a pharmacological basis for the traditional use of P. americana seeds extracts in the management of Diabetes Mellitus.