PROTECTIVE AND ANTIDIABETIC EFFECTS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) ON BLOOD GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Keywords:
Virgin Coconut Oil, Diabetes, Hyperglycaemia, Pancreatic islet, Beta cell, RegenerationAbstract
Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate if Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) exerts any protective or regenerative effects on pancreatic β cells in Alloxan induced diabetic rats and to observe and determine the morphology of islets of animals from different treatment groups.
Methods: Twenty six adults male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 served as a control and received no treatment. Group 2 served as a diabetic control where they received 120 mg/kg body weight Alloxan at week 1. Group 3 was administered with Alloxan at 120 mg/kg body weight followed by VCO treatment for 10 w. Group 5 was administered with 0.8 ml VCO for 13 w prior to being administered with Alloxan 8 w after VCO treatment.
Blood glucose readings and body weight were monitored weekly during the treatment period. IPGTT was carried out prior to animal sacrifice. Histological analysis was carried out on the pancreas of animals in VCO treated and control groups.
Results: VCO treated rats were able to reduce hyperglycaemia in diabetic individuals. Histological analysis indicates that VCO was able to regenerate damaged islets of diabetic rats and was also able to prolong their survival despite being hyperglycaemic.
Conclusion: VCO has potential protective and regenerative effects towards diabetic rats and further research should be evaluated to develop a probable mechanism of action.
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References
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