Endocrine Abstracts

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by glucose intolerance with onset during pregnancy and poses significant health risks to both the mother and fetus. Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk, an underutilized agricultural by-product and waste with reported therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, hormonal, and fetal-protective effects of ethanolic fractions of Cocos nucifera husk in Streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetic in female rat model. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were randomized into eight groups (n = 4). Group 1 and 2 as the control group, group 3 to 8 as experimental groups. The female rats were mated ratio 2:1 with male and the presence of semen in the vaginal as seen on the otoscope indicate gestation day 0. GDM was induced in groups 3–8 via intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and high-fat diet feeding. The rats were treated with either metformin (8.19 mg/kg) or 25 mg/kg of one of three ethanolic fractions of coconut husk (EEFAcc, EEFBcc, EEFCcc), administered via oro-gastric tube. in vivo, EEFBcc significantly decreased fasting blood glucose compared to metformin-treated GDM rats (p<0.05). EEFCcc significantly (p<0.05) decreased body weight compared to metformin-treated group. EEFBcc significantly (p<0.05) increased insulin levels, indicating improved β-cell function. EEFAcc significantly (p<0.05) increased estradiol, while EEFCcc elevated progesterone, suggesting hormonal support in diabetic pregnancy. The EEFBcc and EEFCcc demonstrated glycemic control and hormone-modulating effects compared to metformin. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Cocos nucifera husk as a herbal intervention for GDM, especially in low-resource settings, subject to further investigations.