Weight Gain Reduction and Hypoglycemic Effects of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Extract on Wistar Rats

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the effect of Xylopia aethiopica fruit on weight gain and blood sugar level of Wistar rats.

Methodology: The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica were obtained from new market in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria and were authenticated. They were air-dried and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and ethanol as solvent. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was determined using standard method. Thirty Wistar rats were used for this study. They were acclimatized for seven days, weighed and divided into five groups of six rats each. Animals in group A were administered 129.62 mg/kg body weight (10% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, those in group B were administered 259.23 mg/kg body weight (20% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, those in group C were administered 388.85 mg/kg body weight (30% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, those in group D were administered 518.46 mg/kg body weight (40% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, while those in group E (control) received normal feeds and water only. The administration was done once daily for 28 days via oral route. At the end of 28 days treatment, animals were weighed and weights recorded, and were sacrificed under ether anaesthesia after an overnight fast. Organs were harvested and weighed. Blood glucose level was determined using glucometer.

Results: The physical signs of toxicity observed in the animals included excitation, paw licking, increased respiratory rate, decreased motor activity, gasping and coma which was followed by death. The extract was observed to reduce weight gained by animals when compared with those in the control group at P<0.05. Similarly, a significant reduction was observed in the blood sugar level of animals administered extract of X. aethiopica fruit when compared with those in the control group. This reduction was dose-dependent.

Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that X. aethiopica fruit possesses hypoglycemic potential but highly toxic at high dosage.