Polysaccharides from Caesalpinia ferrea seeds – Chemical characterization and anti-diabetic effects in Wistar rats

In this study, the potential therapeutic benefits of galactomannan from Caesalpinia ferrea (juca) seeds on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic Wistar rats were evaluated. After purification procedure, the purified juca seed galactomannan (JSG) was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface tension, atomic force microscopy (AFM), zeta potential and particle size, gel permeation chromatography(GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR), rheology and assessment of toxicity compared to human neutrophils, measured through lactated hydrogenase (LDH) activity. Our experiments indicated that JSG lowered hyperglycemia in diabetic rats and significantly decreased serum TAG (mediated effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism). These results suggest the potential use of JSB as a functional food for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.