Effect of Vernonia amygdalina and fish oil-supplemented biscuits on lipid profile parameters and blood glucose concentration of diabetic rats

Abstract

Biscuit, a popular snack, serve as an ideal vehicle for incorporating therapeutic agents for disease management. This study aimed to assess the effect of Vernonia amygdalina (VO) and fish oil (FO)-supplemented biscuits (VFSB) on the total lipid profile and blood glucose concentration of diabetic rats. Forty-nine Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups (A to G). Upon induction and confirmation of diabetes in experimental rats, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level were monitored weekly using glucometer. Twenty-four hours after the last day of treatment, rats were sacrificed and serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations were assayed using assay kits. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in FBG, TC, LDL-c, and TG concentrations in biscuit fed groups D, E, and F compared to group B fed VFSB. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) in groups D, E, and F compared to Group B. In conclusion, Vernonia amygdalina and fish oil-supplemented biscuits exhibited a glucose-lowering effect and mitigated dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus.