ANTI-DIABETIC, HYPOLIPIDEMIC AND HEPATO-RENAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF A NOVEL FERMENTED BEVERAGE FROM SYZYGIUM CUMINI STEM

In view of therapeutic values associated with Syzygium cumini and increasing consumer demand for functional foods, a non-conventional alcoholic beverage prepared from the stem of Syzygium cumini was evaluated for its efficacy against streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in male wistar rats. The beverage was observed to be safe for consumption as it did not produce any anomalies in the biochemical markers of liver and kidney of normal rats, rather exerted protective effects on hepatic and renal functions by improving the levels of biochemical indicators. After an oral administration of a daily single of dose of 4ml/kg for a period of 30 days, stem beverage was able to rectify the abnormalities in blood glucose levels, lipid profile and atherogenic index of diabetic rats. The beverage also arrested the deviations in hepatic and renal functions of diabetic rats. Histological studies of pancreas also confirmed the anti-diabetic behaviour of stem beverage. The pharmacological properties of the beverage can be ascribed to the presence of various phenolics and tannins in it. The use of this beverage for the management of diabetes mellitus and associated dyslipidemia is suggested.