Weight Gain Reduction and Hypoglycemic Effects of Xylopi

ABSTRACT  Aim: This study  is aimed  at determining the effect of Xylopia  aethiopica  fruit on weight gain and blood sugar level of Wistar rats. Methodology: The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica were obtained from new market in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria  and  were  authenticated.  They  were  air-dried  and  extracted  using  Soxhlet  apparatus  and ethanol  as  solvent.  The  median  lethal  dose  (LD50)  of  the  extract  was  determined  using  standard method.  Thirty  Wistar  rats  were  used  for  this  study.  They  were  acclimatized  for  seven  days, weighed  and  divided  into  five  groups  of  six  rats  each.  Animals  in  group  A  were  administered 129.62  mg/kg  body  weight  (10%  of  LD50)  of  X.  aethiopica  fruit  extract,  those  in  group  B  were administered 259.23 mg/kg body weight (20% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, those in group C were administered 388.85 mg/kg body weight (30% of LD50) of X. aethiopica fruit extract, those   in  group  D  were  administered  518.46  mg/kg  body  weight  (40%  of  LD50)  of  X.  aethiopica  fruit extract, while those in group E (control) received normal feeds and water only. The administration was  done  once  daily  for  28  days  via  oral  route.  At  the  end  of  28  days  treatment,  animals  were weighed  and  weights  recorded,  and  were  sacrificed  under  ether  anaesthesia  after  an  overnight fast. Organs were harvested and weighed. Blood glucose level was determined using glucometer. Results:  The  physical  signs  of  toxicity  observed  in  the  animals  included  excitation,  paw  licking, increased  respiratory  rate,  decreased  motor  activity,  gasping  and  coma  which  was  followed  by death. The extract was observed to reduce weight gained by animals when compared with those in the control group at P