The effect of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) leaf extract on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and weight loss in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormalities in lipid metabolism and weight loss. This study aimed to examine breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fos- berg) leaf extract’s effects on lipid profiles and weight loss in alloxan-induced dia- betic rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats were injected with alloxan and divided into treatment groups: placebo, Artocarpus altilis leaf extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) or insulin (6U/200 g). Five additional rats were included as normal controls. Fol- lowing 14 days of treatments, Artocarpus altilis extract lowered the blood glucose (BG) level, but only significant at 400 mg/kg dose. Eighty percent of rats in the pla- cebo group had a significant weight loss compared to 40% of rats in the 400 mg/kg group. The placebo group had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) compared to controls (p<0.05) and the Artocarpus altilis extract treatment significantly re- duced the TC level (p<0.05). In conclusion, Artocarpus altilis extract treatment improves BG, lipid metabolism, and weight loss in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.