Biochemical studies on the antidiabetic properties of immature palmyra palm fruits studied in high fat diet fed-low dose streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes in rats

Borassus flabellifer Linn. commonly known as the “Palm tree” is a tall, erect and celestial tree with more than 800 established uses. The immature palmyra palm fruits have been traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and its secondary complications. In the absence of systemic reports in the literature, the present study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of the immature fruits in High fat diet-fed low-dose STZ induced experimental type 2 diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with palmyra palm fruits extract at a concentration of 400 mg/kg b.w. for 30 days. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The levels of fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR values were estimated. The activities of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate and glycogen metabolism in the liver and kidney tissues were assayed. The glycogen content in liver tissue was estimated. Chemical analysis evidenced the presence of pharmacologically important phytochemicals and the significant levels of phenolic and flavonoid content in the fruit extract. The alterations observed in the diabetic rats on the important biochemical indices such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobulin, and glycosylated hemoglobulin were reverted to the physiological range after oral treatment with fruits extract. Likewise, the altered levels of protein, urea, uric acid and creatinine were normalized after treatment with fruits extract. The assay of activities of regulatory enzymes revealed the role of fruits extract in the regulation of carbohydrate and glycogen metabolism. The results of the present study provide substantial evidence for the rationale and antidiabetic properties of immature palmyra palm fruits extract.