Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Garcinia cambogia extracts in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rat model.

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus, a global health problem, is associated with metabolic complications such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and loss of vision. The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of ethanol extract of Garcinia cambogia (L.) N. Robson (G. cambogia) fruit rind in a streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar Rat model.

Materials and methods: Streptozotocin-nicotinamide was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes in Wistar rats. Five groups of rats (n=6) - normal control, diabetic, diabetic treated with G. cambogia at 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight, and diabetic treated with metformin at 500 mg/kg body weight, were studied. Blood samples were collected after three weeks of treatment. Random blood glucose (RBG), Serum total cholesterol levels (TCL), serum total triglyceride levels (TGL), high-density lipoprotein levels, and body weight were measured.

Results: Although G. cambogia treatment did not have any antidiabetic activity (p>0.05) rind in the streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic Wistar Rat model, it decreased the serum TCL, and body weight significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Ethanolic extract of G. cambogia fruit rind possesses anti-obesity activity and significantly reduces total cholesterol but does not have antidiabetic activity.