Publication:

Antidiabetic effects of n-hexane extract of terminalia catappa nuts in Wistar rats induced with hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia

Background Hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia significantly impair pancreatic function and glucose metabolism, necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the effects of n-hexane extract of Terminalia catappa nut (TCN) extract on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic histology in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic Wistar rats.

Methods Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control, standard drug control (atorvastatin and metformin), and TCN-treated groups (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin levels, and HOMA indices were measured, and pancreatic tissue was histologically examined. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results TCN treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in glucose metabolism. The 800 mg/kg TCN group exhibited significant reductions in FBG (4.56±0.03 mmol/l) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR: 1.30±0.10) and near-normal insulin levels (11.85±1.20 μU/ml), comparable to the negative control. Beta-cell function (HOMA2%B) improved progressively with TCN, with the 800 mg/kg dose achieving values similar to the negative control (118±4.00). Histologically, the negative control group displayed intact islets of Langerhans and organized acinar cells. Conversely, the positive control group showed severe necrosis, inflammation, and disrupted islets. TCN treatment demonstrated dose-dependent histological recovery, with the 800 mg/kg group achieving near-complete restoration of pancreatic architecture.

Conclusions TCN extract improves glucose homeostasis, enhances beta-cell function, and restores pancreatic integrity in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TCN as an adjunct for managing metabolic disorders.