Antidiabetic effects of n-hexane extract of terminalia catappa nuts in Wistar rats induced with hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia

Background: Hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia significantly impair pancreatic function and glucose metabolism, necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the effects of n-hexane extract of Terminalia catappa nut (TCN) extract on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic histology in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control, standard drug control (atorvastatin and metformin), and TCN-treated groups (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin levels, and HOMA indices were measured, and pancreatic tissue was histologically examined. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: TCN treatment produced dose-dependent improvements in glucose metabolism. The 800 mg/kg TCN group exhibited significant reductions in FBG (4.56±0.03 mmol/l) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR: 1.30±0.10) and near-normal insulin levels (11.85±1.20 μU/ml), comparable to the negative control. Beta-cell function (HOMA2%B) improved progressively with TCN, with the 800 mg/kg dose achieving values similar to the negative control (118±4.00). Histologically, the negative control group displayed intact islets of Langerhans and organized acinar cells. Conversely, the positive control group showed severe necrosis, inflammation, and disrupted islets. TCN treatment demonstrated dose-dependent histological recovery, with the 800 mg/kg group achieving near-complete restoration of pancreatic architecture. Conclusions: TCN extract improves glucose homeostasis, enhances beta-cell function, and restores pancreatic integrity in hyperlipidaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TCN as an adjunct for managing metabolic disorders.