Evaluation of Antidiabetic Properties of Aqueous Extract of Irvingia gabonensis Seed in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Irvingia gabonensis, locally known as bush mango, is consumed across southern Nigeria and has been attributed with blood glucose-lowering properties in ethnobotanical accounts, prompting biochemical investigation of its antidiabetic potential. This study evaluates the effect of aqueous seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis on blood glucose, insulin levels, and liver glycogen in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six: normal control, diabetic control, metformin reference group, low-dose extract group (200 mg/kg body weight), and high-dose extract group (400 mg/kg body weight). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at 150 mg/kg body weight. Following a two-week treatment period with daily oral gavage, fasting blood glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method. Serum insulin was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver glycogen was determined by the anthrone method after tissue homogenization. Results show that both extract doses significantly reduced fasting blood glucose compared to the diabetic control, with the high-dose group achieving reductions comparable to metformin. Serum insulin levels were significantly higher in both extract-treated groups compared to the diabetic control, suggesting partial preservation of pancreatic beta-cell function. Liver glycogen content was significantly increased in treated groups relative to the diabetic control, indicating improved glucose storage. No mortality or adverse behavioural signs were observed during the treatment period. These findings support the antidiabetic potential of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract. Keywords: Irvingia gabonensis, antidiabetic, alloxan, blood glucose, liver glycogen.