Blend of selected fruit extracts shows antidiabetic effect by enhanced insulin secretion, modulation of β-cell function, and antidyslipidemic activity in type 2 diabetic rats

Over the years, daily consumption of fruits has been associated with reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, premature aging, stress, diabetes, and fatigue. This paper reports the antidiabetic potentials of blends of pawpaw ( Carica papaya L.) and grapefruit ( Citrus paradissi ) with guava ( Psidium guajava L.) leaves in male albino rats. Blend of fruit extracts were designed to contain 60 % pawpaw, 20 % grapefruit, and 20 % guava leaves aqueous extracts. Four groups of five rats each were acclimatized on pelletized mouse chow for 7 days, after which diabetes was induced by a single ip injection of alloxan in all groups except group 1, which served as control. Group 2 served as negative control, while groups 3 and 4 were treated with blend of fruit extracts at 2.5 and 5 ml/kg bw, respectively. Food intake, body weight, and blood glucose levels were monitored. They were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after a 2-week treatment. Blood serum was analyzed to evaluate insulin level, beta cell function, insulin resistance, and lipid profile. Histological study was carried out on pancreatic tissues. Treatment with single dose of the blend (2.5 ml/kg bw) led to a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) in blood glucose, total cholesterol triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. It also improved serum insulin level, beta cell function, and reduced insulin resistance as well as restoration of pancreatic beta cells compared to the diabetic group. These were, however, the reverse on treatment with double dosing the blend. Single dose of the selected fruit extract blend showed potent antidiabetic property as evident by the reduced blood glucose, improved serum insulin, and increased HDL levels.