POTENTIAL HYPOGLYCEMIC PROPERTY OF ALBIZIA MYRIOPHYLLA AND VIRGIN COCONUT OIL IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

摘要

Objectives: The claim made by a small segment of the Malay population in Pasir Mas, Kelantan Malaysia that the bark of Albizia myriophylla added with the use virgin coconut oil is able to reduce the sugar levels in diabetes was investigated by assessment of the anti diabetic properties. Methods: The hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous bark extract of Albizia myriophylla (ABZ) and virgin coconut oil was evaluated after its oral administration of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and normal rats. Rats were divided into 8 groups. 4 groups were normal rats and another 4 groups were induced with diabetes. Diabetes was induced by injection of 60 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally and fasting blood glucose level and body weight were monitored from day 0, 15, 30 and 45. Results: The administration of aqueous bark extract of Albizia myriophylla and virgin coconut oil simultaneously produces a significant fall in blood glucose levels to almost normal levels. This combination of treatment also brought about an increase in the body weight of diabetic rats. Conclusions: The aqueous bark extract of Albizia myriophylla and virgin coconut oil has anti diabetic activity as it lowers serum glucose levels in diabetic rats. The treatment also increases the body weight of diabetic rats