Antidiabetic Potential of n-Hexane, Ethyl Acetate and Ethanol Extracts of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) Tubers in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study investigated the antidiabetic potentials of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) tuber in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity, fasting blood glucose and insulin responses following administration of the extracts. Tiger nut tubers were processed, extracted using the respective solvents, and administered orally to experimental rats at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate, and fasting blood glucose was monitored during the treatment period. Serum insulin levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Acute toxicity assessment revealed no mortality at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg body weight, although weakness was observed at higher concentrations, particularly with the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts. Treatment with the extracts produced varying reductions in fasting blood glucose levels. The ethyl acetate fraction at 200 mg/kg demonstrated the most pronounced effect, reducing blood glucose from 482.43 mg/dL to 126.00 mg/dL. Insulin levels also improved in some treated groups compared with the untreated diabetic group. The findings suggest that tiger nut extracts possess potential antidiabetic activity, with the ethyl acetate fraction showing particular promise. Further studies are required to establish their mechanisms of action, statistical significance and long-term safety.