Effects of Azanza garckeana Fruit Pulp on Metabolic Syndrome in Wistar Rats Fed on High Fructose Diet

Abstract

The excessive consumption of high-energy dietary sweeteners is largely to blame for the widespread metabolic syndrome around the world.  This study is aimed at in vivo evaluations of the ameliorative effects of A. garckeana fruit pulp on metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats.  Twenty-four (24) adult male Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups (n=4).  Groups A, B, and C received standard, high-fructose, and 2% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented standard diets, respectively.  Groups D, E, and F were fed 5% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented standard, 2% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high-fructose, and 5% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high fructose diets.  In addition to weekly monitoring of weight changes, activities of serum antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile, and blood glucose level were determined.  There were no significant changes in weight gain among the groups throughout the experimental period.  Compared with the initial value of blood glucose level, only the group fed high fructose diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher blood glucose levels at the end of the experiment.  The group fed 5% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high-fructose diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher serum concentration of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in comparison with the control.  The groups fed A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher albumin concentrations than the group fed high fructose diet.  The serum urea concentration was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the group fed 2% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high fructose diet when compared with the control.  The group fed 5% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high fructose diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher activities of SOD and GSH activities compared with the group fed high fructose diet.  Also, the group fed 2% A. garckeana fruit pulp-supplemented high fructose diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher activities of CAT when compared with the group fed high fructose diet.  It can be concluded that A. garckeana fruit pulp has anti-hyperglycemic, anti-dyslipidemic, and antioxidant effects, which could be responsible for its ameliorative effects on metabolic syndrome.