Effect of Combined Dietary Supplementation of Telfairia Occidentalis Leaves and Citrulus Colocynthis Seeds on Fasting Glycemia, Glucose Tolerance and Body Weight in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Though medical assistance can be given to diabetic patients, dietary care is highly explored. This work aimed at studying the effects of dietary supplementation of uncooked Telfairia occidentalis leaves combined with Citrulus colocynthis seeds on blood glucose level in Wistar rats. A phytochemical screening was realized on T.occidentalis ethanolic and hydroethanolic leaves extracts, and their acute toxicity was studied in rats. The effect of their combined dietary supplementation on glycemia and body weight was studied in rats receiving carbohydrate enriched diet during 28 days. Three test groups received 10% Telfairia occidentalis leaves, 10% C.colocynthis and a mixture of 5% T.occidentalis leaves and 5% C. colocynthis respectively. Glibenclamide (0.03 mg/kg b.w) was used as reference drug. Glucose tolerance was tested at the end of supplementation period. The presence of tannins, saponins, anthocyanines and flavonoids was revealed in T. occidentalis extracts and no sign of toxicity was identified in rats. Fasting glycemia decreased significantly in rats supplemented with T. occidentalis as compared to positive control and there was no significant increase in glycemia for rats supplemented with C. colocynthis and with both plants. All animals except the positive control showed a good glucose tolerance at the end of supplementation. T. occidentalis showed hypoglycemic properties and its association with C. colocynthis inhibited hyperglycemia and maintained good glucose tolerance. Hence, combined consumption of T. occidentalis leaves with C. colocynthis seeds might be advised in diabetes management.