Comparative Effects of Fermented and Unfermented Parkia biglobosa Bean Seeds in Diabetic Induced Experimental Rats

Aims: The present work investigates the hypoglycemic effect of fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (PB, African locust beans) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Its effect was compared with that of unfermented Parkia biglobosa.

Methodology: In order to assess the hypoglycemic effects of the fermented seeds on experimental animals, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined. The microbiota analysis of the fecal sample was also determined.

Result: Alloxan administered to the rats significantly increased the FBS of the test animals. However, dietary supplementation with fermented PB for three weeks ameliorated the FBS of the rats like that of the unfermented group. The animals fed with fermented Parkia biglobosa gained weight like those fed with unfermented Parkia biglobosa. High levels of HDL and low levels of LDL were observed in animals treated with fermented Parkia biglobosa compared with low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL observed in animals treated with unfermented Parkia biglobosa.

Conclusion: The results of this present study demonstrate that both fermented and unfermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa exert a hypoglycemic effect. Hence, Parkia biglobosa has an anti-diabetic property with fermented form seemingly better.