Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of Raphia gentiliana De Wild. (Arecaceae)

Aims: Raphia gentiliana De Wild fruit is edible. The aim of this work is to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic activity of this fruit for its use as medicinal food.

Study Design: Phytochemical analysis; extraction by lyophilzation process; measure of blood glucose level; calculation of glycemic load and index.

Place and Duration of Study: National Institute of Biomedical research (DR Congo), between October 2011 and June 2012.

Methodology: The study was performed in vivo (mice and humans). A Dose of 0.2g/Kg of Raphia gentiliana fruit extracts was administered to fasting (18 hours) hyperglycemic induced NMRI mice by oral application. The kinetics profile of the blood sugar level of the hyperglycemic induced mice was evaluated using a glucometer after one to two hours of administration. For humans, the Raphia gentiliana fruit was taken by 45 consenting individuals. Glycemia was measured by spectrophometry and the triangle surface area ratio’s method was used to calculate the glycemic and load index.

Results: The results about the anti-hyperglycemic activity in NMRI’s mice showed a significant decrease in blood sugar level. After oral application of aqueous Raphia gentiliana fruit extracts, the decrease of 27% and 56% were observed after respectively one and two hours. For human subjects, observed values of glycemic index and load were -3.1% and -1.36% respectively. These negative glycemic index and glycemic load values are excepted standard.

Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that Raphia gentiliana fruits have an anti-hyperglycemic activity and justify the use of this plant in Congolese traditional medicine.