Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Extracts of	Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and African Black Pepper (Piper guineense) on Blood Glucose Level of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Wistar Rat

1Nnam Ngozi M., 2Okoye Obiageli I.

Authors

1Nnam Ngozi M., 2Okoye Obiageli I. 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2Department of Home Science and Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Author

Abstract

The study investigated biochemical effects of aqueous extracts of turmeric, ginger and black pepper on blood glucose levels of induced diabetic albino wistar rats. Specifically, it determined effects of aqueous extracts of turmeric, ginger and black pepper on fasting blood glucose level of diabetic albino rats and body weight of the rats. Sixty- six healthy rats (138-144 grams) were used. Rats were distributed into 11 groups (8 test and 3 control groups) of six rats. Blood glucose level of the rats were determined before diabetes induction. Rats underwent 16 hours overnight fasting prior to induction. They were induced with alloxan injection based on body weight. Diabetes was confirmed using glucometer. Rats with fasting blood glucose level ≥ 200gm/dl were considered diabetic. Various doses of the aqueous extracts were administered orally to different groups based on body weight. Blood glucose level was measured on day 1,7, 14, 21 and 28. Data were analysed as mean ± standard deviation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences among all the experimental groups. Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test was used to separate and compare means for significant differences. A p – value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study revealed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level of treated rats compared to the untreated (diabetic control) rats. The group treated with combined extracts of turmeric and black pepper with ratios 80:20 (TBP) (80: 20) had the highest reduction in blood glucose level (35.93%) than the other test groups. The group treated with TBP (80:20) had the highest increase in bodyweight (4.08%) compared to the other groups. The findings showed antihyperglycemic activities of these extracts and suggest they may be useful in control of postprandial rise in blood glucose particularly in diabetic condition.