Assessment of the Hypoglycemic Effects of the Aqueous Extracts of Bauhinia forficata in Wistar Rats Fed with a High Fat Diet

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing both body and glycemic parameters resulting from the administration of high fat diet and Bauhinia forficata aqueous extract (AqE) in rats. Initially, sixty-day-old rats were divided into two groups. Group C was fed with normocaloric diet and group D was fed with a high fat diet composed of 20% proteins; 48% carbohydrate, 20% lipid, 4% cellulose, 5% vitamin and mineral salts. On the 120 day-old group D was subdivided with another D + I group, fed a hyperlipid diet plus administration of Bauhinia forficata AqE for gavage. During experimental period, body mass, food intake and glucose were evaluated. The animals were sacrificed at the age of 150 days. Group D, at 120 days, presented higher body mass compared to group C, but there were no changes in dietary intake. The glycaemia of group D increased compared to group C. At 150 days, the D + I group had a decrease in body mass and glycaemia, and group D continued to gain body mass without changing food intake. Therefore, the findings show that the two-month-diet-period increased body weight and blood glucose. AqE of plant B. forficata has pharmacological potential in reducing body mass and decreasing in blood glucose concentrations.