Body weight lowering effect of Acacia Nilotia Subalata in Normal and type 2 Diabetic male rats

Objectives: to investigate the effects of Acacia nilotica subalata on body weight in normal and type 2 diabetic male rats.
Methods: Diabetes was induced in 18 out of 30 rats. The rats were in five groups: Group A normal control, group B diabetic control, group C diabetic rats received Acacia nilotica subalata, group D normal rats received Acacia nilotica subalata and group E diabetic rats received metformin. Blood glucose was measured by glucometer. Data were presented as mean ± standard error of mean and analysis of variance performed. Results were considered statistically significant if p value < 0.05.
Results: Treatment with A. n. subalata extract significantly decreased blood glucose in diabetic group C compared to diabetic control group B (7.08 ± 1.451 vs 18.10 ± 1.378 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Diabetic control group B lost 6.6 % of their initial body mass. Diabetic group C (treated with A. n. subalata extract) and E (treated with metformin) respectively lost 9. 54 % and 11.29%. Normal group D treated with A. n. subalata lost 0.30% of its initial body mass. Acacia nilotica subalata leaf extract has the potential to combat obesity and lower blood glucose in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus.