Anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of shaddock (Citrus maxima) peel extract

BACKGROUND Diabetes is a serious public health problem which poses serious socio-economic burden at the national and global level. Most synthetic agents for treating diabetes are expensive and not devoid of adverse effect hence, the need for continuous effort in the search for affordable and natural effective treatment of diabetes. This study investigated the anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects of Citrus maxima peel extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS Twenty-eight adult male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups of seven rats with similar body weights. Diabetes was induced using alloxan and baseline data obtained. Rats in groups A, B, and C were administered with 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg of Citrus maxima peel extract per kg body weight/day, respectively for 14 days. Group D (control) received 200 mg of plain water per kg body weight/day. Biochemical analyses of blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzyme activities were performed afterthe feeding trial. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 21. RESULTS Citrus maxima peel extract significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the blood glucose level by 70.17%. The extract (600 mg) resulted in a percentage increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4.43%) and decrease in total cholesterol (30.86%), triglyceride (10.58%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (10.20%). Liver enzyme activities of the control groups significantly increased while the treated groups showed no significant change. CONCLUSIONS Citrus maxima peel extract has proven to be effective in diabetes management. However, use of standardized extract and proper laboratory tests are necessary.