Effect of Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit-pericarp Extract on Fructose Induced Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Rats

Background and Objective: High fructose intake has been reported to alter metabolisms leading to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.This study investigated the effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit-pericarp extract on high fructose fed rats.Materials and Methods: Balanites aegyptiaca fruits after collection were dehulled to obtain pericarps, air-dried and pulverized into powdered then extracted with ethanol.Phytochemical content and acute toxicity of the extract were ascertained.The study was conducted on rats divided into 7 groups of 5 each, namely; normal control, extract control (received 600 mg kgG 1 b.wt., extract), fructose control (received 30% fructose solution), standard drug control (fructose fed rats treated with simvastatin 25 mg kgG 1 ) while group 4-6 were fructose fed rats treated with extract at 200, 400 and 800 mg kgG 1 b.wt..After 21 days of extract administration, rats were sacrificed, blood collected and serum separated which was used for the biochemical analysis.Results: The study showed pericarp extract possess variety of phytochemical (phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins) and is safe with lethal median dose (LD 50 ) assumed at 4000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of rats.Lipid profile varies significantly (p<0.05) between rats fed fructose untreated and treated whereas, fasting blood glucose and insulin are insignificantly (p>0.05)different among all groups.Fructose untreated rats had the highest weight increase at 17% compare to the treated rats.Conclusion: The study found pericarp extract of Balanites aegyptiaca safe, possess important phytochemicals and able to prevent fructose induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in rats.It may be a good source for the management of metabolic disorders.