Effect of Aqueous Seed Extract of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) on Diabetic Hyperlipidemia Profile in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is among the most chronic diseases and it is gaining momentum in developed and developing countries. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous seed extracts (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) on diabetic hyperlipidemia profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 albino rats were divided into six groups of five rats each, Group A: (normal control), with free access to water and animal feed, Group B: (Negative control) with no treatment, Group C: (Positive control I) with oral insulin, Group D: (Positive control II) with oral atorvastatin, Group E: (Test control I) with oral herbal low dose, Group F: (Test control II) with oral herbal high dose. At the end of the experiment, rats were fasted for 24hours and blood samples were collected under chloroform anaesthesia for the estimation of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL and HDL) using standard techniques. The results showed that rats treated with aqueous seed extracts of Garcinia Kola and insulin lowered fasting blood glucose levels while rats treated with aqueous seed extracts of Garcinia Kola and atorvastatin significantly lowered TG, TC, LDL concentrations while significantly elevating HDL concentrations when compared to untreated control in a dose dependent fashion. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. These observations lend support to its folkloric use in the management of diabetes mellitus.