The biochemical effects of lime concentrate ‘Aporo’ and Mucuna pruriens seeds extract on Alloxan-induced diabetic rats

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the biochemical properties of a local lime concentrate preparation called Aporo and an ethanolic extract of seeds of Mucuna pruriens.MethodsSix groups of male Wistar rats, each containing five rats, were selected. Diabetes was induced in all rats, except the negative control group, by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg Alloxan. The induced rats, apart from the diabetic control group, were treated by daily oral administration of 5 mg/kg Glibenclamide, 100 mg/kg of Aporo decoction, an ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, and a combination of both in equal doses.ResultsAfter 15 days of treatment, the blood glucose level of rats in the positive control group was found to be significantly lower than that of the other rats. However, Aporo extract exhibited a significantly higher ability to reduce blood glucose than the standard hypoglycaemic drug Glibenclamide. Aporo also increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and decreased triglyceride levels. The results showed that Aporo exhibited significant antioxidant, antidiabetic and antidyslipidaemic properties when used alone rather than in combination with Mucuna seed extracts.ConclusionThis study endorses the folk use of Aporo in the treatment of diabetes. However, further experimental studies are required to complement the results of the current study.