Effect of Cola acuminate on Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Haemoglobin in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The levels of blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (GHB) were studied in 42 Wistar rats divided into three groups; controls, group A and group B. Control rats consumed only feeds, group A consumed 0.04g of Cola acuminate, while group B consumed 0.08g of Cola acuminate mixed with their feeds daily for six consecutive weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly for analysis. Baseline values increased by 22% for blood glucose in group A and by 29% in group B. GHB also increased relatively and correlated well with blood glucose in group A (r = 0.70; P < 0.05) and in group B (r = 0.73; P < 0.05). Regular kolanut consumption elevates blood glucose and GHB levels, while withdrawal returns these parameters progressively to pre-kolanut consumption levels.

Key words: kolanut diet, rat blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 41 - 44