Antidiabetic and Antiradical Effects of Garcinia kola Seeds in Dexamethasone-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats

In traditional medicine, the maceration of seeds of Garcinia kola (GK) is used to treat various diseases including diabetes. In traditional pharmacopoeia, GK seeds are used to strengthen the immune system and as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.

This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic free radical scavenging effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of GK seeds (HAEGS) in a dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemic (DexIH) rat model.

This study was an interventional study.

Here using in vivo model, we assessed some pharmacological properties of HAEGS in DexIH rat. Hypoglycemia, antihyperglycemia, spasmolytic and laxative activities were also evaluated in DexIH. In vitro study assessed antiradical activity. The HAEGS was obtained by decoction introducing 250 g with water-ethanol mixture (30:70). The plant extract was administered to the animals at doses of 50 (GK50) and 100 (GK100) mg/kg body weight. All animal experiments were in accordance with ARRIVE guidelines and were performed in accordance with the scientific procedures of UK Animals. Antiradical activity of GK was assessed in vitro by inhibition of the activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.

Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.03 software, and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

At doses 50 and 100 mg/kg, GK significantly (P < 0.001) regulated DexIH after two weeks of treatment compared to the normoglycemic control and hyperglycemic rats. The extract at both doses significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the spasmolytic activity in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats compared to Imodium^®. In rats DexIH rats, only dose 100 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) increased laxative effects when compared to the negative control. In vitro antiradical activity of GK revealed vitamin C-like antiradical activity.

This study justifies the traditional use of GK seeds as an antidiabetic.