Antidiabetic and Antinephropathic Potential of Ajwa Pit & Pulp (Phoenix dactylifera) in Alloxanized Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Generally in the world, diabetes is the most significant cause of deaths and morbidity. Blood glucose lowering agents possess remarkable adverse effects like weight gain and hypoglycemia and thus hindering the achievement of glycemic control. Since earliest times till today, herbal preparations have been utilized for management of diabetes and its complications.

Aims & Objectives: To investigate antihyperglycemic and nephroprotective effects of Ajwa pit and pulp in alloxanized - diabetic and nephropathic rats.

Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore for the duration of four weeks.

Material & Methods: Adult male rats (weighing 120-150 g), total of 32 were purchased and divided into 4 groups. The group1 was normal control whereas group2 was diabetic control. Diabetes was induced in groups 2, 3 and 4 with 150mg/kg single alloxan monohydrate1.P Injection. Groups 3 and 4 were given Ajwa pit and pulp rations for 4 weeks. Blood and urine samples were taken on zero and 4 weeks for fasting blood glucose, serum and urine biochemical variables for renal functions.

Results: The results revealed that Ajwa pits significantly decreased serum levels of glucose (252±60 vs. 348±67 mg/dl), serum urea (38±7.0 vs. 63±9.6 mg/dl), serum creatinine (0.39±0.1 vs. 0.58±0.1 mg/dl) and microalbuminuria marker (7.8±1.7 vs. 9.0±2.2mg/l). Moreover it improved urine creatinine (14.0±2.9 vs.10.0±2.7 mg/dl) and creatinine clearance (0.226±0.08 vs 0.117±0.04 ml/min) when compared to diabetic control rats. Effect of Ajwa pulp was far less than Ajwa pit. Ajwa pulp did not significantly decrease serum levels of glucose (290±60 vs. 348±67 mg/dl), urea (51±9.5 vs. 63±9.6 mg/dl), creatinine (0.66±0.2 vs. 0.58±0.1 mg/dl) and microalbuminuria marker (8.3±2.0 vs. 9.0±2.2mg/l). Also there was no improvement in urine creatinine (11.1±1.6 vs. 10.0±2.7 mg/dl) and creatinine clearance (0.130±0.05 vs 0.117±0.04 ml/min) levels when compared to diabetic control rats.

Conclusion: Ajwa pit possesses strong antihyperglycemic and protective effect in renal damage by prolonged diabetes mellitus. Highest polyphenols, bioflavonoids and antioxidants are presumed to be responsible for this effect.