Potential Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effects of Coconut Oil on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

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Objectives: This research aims to examine the antidiabetic effect of virgin coconut oil in STZ-induced diabetes and assess its efficacy in alleviating renal and hepatic diseases associated with diabetes.Material and methods: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley ratswere used in this study. After induction and confirmation of diabetes mellitus (DM) usingSTZ, the diabetic rats were divided into four groups (n=6 ); the untreated diabetic control group (DC),the metformin-treated diabetic group (DM),the coconut oil-treated diabetic (DCo) group and coconut and Metformin-treated groups (DCoM). In addition to a normal control group (n=6).Biochemical assessment of fasting blood glucose level, liver andkidney functions, lipid profile tests, insulin, glucosetolerance test and glycated HB were all performed.Results: Blood glucose level and glycated hemoglobin level significantly reduced,whilst insulin level was significantly elevated in groups treated with either VCO alone or in combination with metformin compared to thecontrolgroup. Glucose homeostasis was improved in coconut treated rats as evidenced by the oral glucose tolerance curve. Although the effect of coconut on controlling the lipid profile was not directly observed in this study, its renoprotective and hepatoprotective effects were evident biochemically. Conclusion:Virgin coconut oil possesses antidiabetic effect either alone or in combination with metformin in an animal model of type II diabetes mellitus. It improves the undesirable impact of diabetes on both liver and kidney. These results are promising in terms of the use of virgin coconut oil to reduce the dosage of synthetic drugs as well as to mitigate undesirableeffects to the liver and kidneys.