Antidiabetic and Pancreatoprotective Effects of Hexane Seed Extract of Garcinia kola in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats: Histological and Glycaemic Evidence

Diabetes mellitus is estimated to affect over 589 million globally, with projections reaching 853 million by 2050, and a higher burden reported in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is characterized by destruction of pancreatic βcells and persistent hyperglycemia. Limitations associated with conventional antidiabetic drugs in low-resource settings emphasize the need for accessible phytotherapeutic alternatives. Garcinia kola, a medicinal plant native to West Africa, has shown antidiabetic activity in preclinical studies; however, its hexane seed fraction remains poorly investigated. This study evaluated the effects of graded doses of hexane seed extract of Garcinia kola on fasting blood glucose and pancreatic histoarchitecture in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n=6): normal control, diabetic untreated, metformin (500 mg/kg), and extract-treated groups (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using alloxan (150 mg/kg) and confirmed after 72 hours at ≥180 mg/dL. Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured at baseline, post-induction, and on days 7, 14, and 21. Pancreatic tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at p<0.05. By day 21, the 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg groups showed near-normal glucose levels of 90.67±16.04 mg/dL and 87.67±22.19 mg/dL, respectively, compared with the metformin group (409.33±64.66 mg/dL) and untreated diabetic group (231.33±46.49 mg/dL). Histological analysis showed regeneration of islets of Langerhans and partial recovery of pancreatic structure in higher-dose groups. Overall, the extract demonstrated dose-dependent antihyperglycemic and pancreatic-protective effects, supporting further investigation into its potential therapeutic use.

Key Words: Garcinia kola, Hexane, Alloxan, Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreas