Antidiabetic and Cardioprotective Potential of Balanites aegyptiaca Extract in Male Rabbits

Zuhour Waddani; Fayrouz Khaled; Sultana Hussien; Rabihah Mahmoud

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269532

Authors

Zuhour Waddani Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Aljufra University, Hoon, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6577-7668
Fayrouz Khaled Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mokhtar University, El-Beida, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3593-6277
Sultana Hussien Department of Food Science Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Omar Al-Mokhtar University, El-Beida, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6589-9165
Rabihah Mahmoud Chemistry Department, Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies, Tobruk -Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2997-4042

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269532

Keywords:

Balanites Aegyptiaca, Glucose Metabolism, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Lipid Profile, Rabbits.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of Balanites aegyptiaca extract on glucose metabolism and lipid profile in male rabbits. Administration of the extract resulted in a significant reduction in plasma glucose (100.44 ± 3.76 mg/dl) compared to the control group (113.03 ± 1.243 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels also decreased markedly (3.1 ± 0.44%) relative to the control (4.6 ± 0.28%, p < 0.05), indicating improved long-term glycemic regulation. In addition, Balanites aegyptiaca supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (97.43 ± 3.110 mg/dl) and triglyceride levels (49.08 ± 2.862 mg/dl), while enhancing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (50.0 ± 1.652 mg/dl) without significantly affecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL). These findings demonstrate that Balanites aegyptiaca exerts dual antidiabetic and cardioprotective effects by improving glucose homeostasis and modulating lipid metabolism. The extract’s bioactive compounds may enhance insulin sensitivity and antioxidant defense mechanisms, contributing to reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Further studies are recommended to identify the molecular pathways involved in its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.