The Effects of the Aqueous Root Extract of Cocos Ucifera on the Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Cocus nucifera Linne., (Arecaceae or Palm family) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several disorders including diabetes mellitus. The root of the plant was extracted using distilled water and the aqueous root extract was then investigated for hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (40 mg/kg i.p) in overnight fasted albino male rats. Dose dependent studies for 100, 200, 400 for the extract and 5 mg/kg of glibenclamide were then carried out to ascertain the effect of the extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels as well as levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL were also determined. Oral administration of the aqueous root extract caused a significant reduction in the blood glucose levels at 200 mg/kg (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.0001) from the 4th; to about the 24th hour. Also a significant reduction (p<0.05) in total cholesterol was also noted. Flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates present in the extract were proposed to be responsible for the observed effects. The effects were comparable with the standard drug: glibenclamide