EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PERSEA AMERICANA (AVOCADO) SEED EXTRACT ON GLYCAEMIC AND LIPID PROFILE LEVELS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal plasma glucose levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin function. Many plants exhibit hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties. Meanwhile, the often-discarded Persea americana (Avocado) is rich in flavonoids, which is a class of natural phenolic compounds prevalent in green plants, contributing significantly to its antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic seed extract of Persea americana (Avocado) on glycaemic control, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, and saponins in the extract. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal control, diabetic control, positive control (glibenclamide 5 mg/kg), and three diabetic groups treated with Persea americana seed extract at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). The extract was administered orally for two weeks. Results showed that the diabetic control group exhibited significant hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia (elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL; reduced HDL), increased oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde), and body weight loss. Treatment with Persea americana seed extract produced dose-dependent improvements in all parameters. The 400 mg/kg dose showed the most significant effects, reducing fasting blood glucose from 12.55±0.52 mg/dL to 4.43±0.25 mg/dL, improving lipid profile (TC: 125.50±2.08 mg/dL, TG: 87.50±1.92 mg/dL, LDL: 58.50±2.08 mg/dL, HDL: 50.00±2.16 mg/dL), and lowering malondialdehyde level to 205.61±81.02 nmol/mL, comparable to the glibenclamide-treated group. Body weight was also restored in extract-treated groups. The findings indicate that Persea americana seed extract possesses potent antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidaemic, and antioxidant properties in diabetic rats, likely mediated by its bioactive phytochemical constituents. The study suggests that Avocado seed extract could serve as a promising complementary therapy for diabetes management, warranting further investigations into its mechanisms and potential clinical applications.