Biochemical Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Cocos nucifera Flowers in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder of multiple aetiologies resulting in drastic elevation of blood glucose under both fasting and postprandial conditions, which leads to multiple complications. Currently available drugs are unsuccessful for the treatment of diabetes due to their undesirable side effects Hence, search for novel drugs, especially from plant origin continues. Cocos nucifera have been used in traditional medicine around the world to treat numerous ailments. The present study is aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant nature of Cocos nucifera flowers extract in STZ induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical analysis of the fruit extract revealed the presence of phytoingredients such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, diterpenes, triterpenoids, glycosides and phenols. Oral administration of Cocos nucifera flower extract (300 mg/kg b.w/day) to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, uric acid and creatinine. The altered levels of serum amino transferases and alkaline phosphatase were normalized upon treatment with the fruit extract. The observed decrease in the levels of plasma protein in the diabetic rats was elevated to near normal by the extract treatment. The level of glycogen content, the altered activities of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosporylase was improved upon treatment with the extract. The antioxidant competence was improved upon extract treatment. The results of the present study indicate that the flower extract is nontoxic and possess antidiabetic and antioxidant potential.