Cholesterol lowering effects of Acacia nilotica subalata in Normal and Type 2 Diabetic Male Rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Acacia nilotica subalata on plasma lipids in normal and type 2 diabetic male rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in 18 out of 30 rats. The rats were in five groups: Group A normal control, Group B diabetic control, Group C diabetic rats treated with Acacia nilotica subalata, Group D normal rats treated with Acacia nilotica subalata and Group E diabetic rats receiving metformin. Blood glucose was measured with a glucometer. Lipids were assayed by colorimetric methods. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean and analyzed using analysis of variance. Results were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: Acacia nilotica subalata and metformin decreased total cholesterol in Groups C and E compared to diabetic control Group B (109.05 ± 9.134 and 90.69 ± 6.838 vs 153.89 ± 18. 829 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Acacia n. subalata and metformin in Groups C and E significantly decreased low density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to diabetic control Group B (59.62 ± 6.532 and 42.32 ± 4.844 vs 105.56 ± 15.14 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Acacia nilotica subalata leaf extract may be considered beneficial against hyperlipidemia induced by diabetes mellitus