THE INFLUENCE OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF RAMBUTAN LEAVES (NEPHELIUM LAPPACEUM L.) AGAINST OBESITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN RATS

Ethanol extracts of rambutan leaves have been investigated for their anti-diabetes properties using the glucose tolerance method as well as insulin deficiency through alloxan induction. This study aimed to further evaluate these properties in obese and insulin resistant animals. The rat models were feeding with foods high in carbohydrates, fats, and propylthiouracil. The animal models were divided into seven groups: normal group, the positive control group, rambutan leaf extract at doses of 17.5, 35, and 70 mg/kg b.w., and the orlistat and metformin groups. The parameters evaluated during therapy were body weight, food index, feces index, and blood glucose levels. The rambutan leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 17.5 mg/kg b.w. resulted in a decrease in body weight by 2.44% compared to the initial body weight and could also decrease appetite with the amount of food intake equal to 10.71 g compared with the positive test group at 12.49 g. The rats administered 35 mg/kg b.w. rambutan leaf ethanol extract excreted 6.29g of feces and exhibited a decreased organ and fat index in the liver, spleen, and perirenal fat. In the anti-diabetic test, the blood glucose level was increased 123 mg/dL, but diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance had not yet occurred following administration of 17.5 mg/kg bw rambutan leaf ethanol extract, although the blood glucose level was lower compared with the positive test group (93 mg/dL). In conclusion, the rambutan leaf ethanol extract was shown to decrease body weight and blood glucose levels in rats.