Effect of Citrus maxima (Merr.) Fruit Juice in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

The effect of Citrus maxima Merr. fruit juice extract in alloxaninduced diabetes Wistar rats was investigated in this study. Sixteen adult male albino wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups [A D]. Group A and C were administered with alloxan [150mg/kg] intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Groups A and B were later treated with the fruit juice [10ml/kg body weight] for 22 days, while groups C and D served as negative and positive controls respectively. The juice treated diabetic rats group showed remarkable improvement in body weight and demonstrated significant decrease in the blood glucose levels [p<0.05] when compared to the diabetic control group. Also, the blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels decreased significantly [p<0.05] in treated diabetic rats, except for the HDLcholesterol level which however showed an increased trend. There was no noteworthy difference [p>0.05] in AST and ALT activity for the juice treated groups. Furthermore, packed cell volume [PCV] and red blood cell [RBC] count increased significantly [p<0.05] in diabetic rats treated group when compared to the untreated diabetic control group. The present study shows that the Citrus maxima Merr. Fruit juice extract has potent hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities against alloxan -induced diabetes rats and the consumption can be encouraged for people living with type-2diabetes.