Antidiabetic, Hypolipidemic, Hepatoprotective, and Hematological effects of the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit-mesocarp in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often accompanied by secondary biochemical and hematological complications. Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date) is traditionally used to manage diabetes, but a comprehensive assessment of its therapeutic efficacy and systemic safety profile remains essential. This study evaluated the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and hematological effects of the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit-mesocarp in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic untreated control, diabetic treated with metformin (50 mg/kg bw), and two diabetic groups treated with the extract at doses of 200 mg/kg bw and 400 mg/kg bw, respectively, over a 28-day period. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), liver function biomarkers, lipid profiles, and hematological parameters were determined. Oral administration of the extract at both 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) reduced FBS from day 14 onwards, achieving glycemic control (3.63 mmol/L and 3.97 mmol/L, respectively, by day 28) comparable to metformin (3.60 mmol/L). In the lipid profile, the 400 mg/kg dose optimized lipid metabolism by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) minimal. Hematologically, the extract significantly reduced elevated white blood cell counts (p < 0.05) seen in diabetic rats, while the 400 mg/kg dose significantly increased red blood cell counts (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups. However, extract administration resulted in a significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05), implying potential mild hepatic strain at higher doses despite stable alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit-mesocarp possesses potent hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and erythropoietic properties, validating its ethnomedicinal use. However, the observed elevation in ALT warrants cautious dosage management regarding potential hepatic monitoring in long-term applications.