Investigation on the Effect of Sacoglottis gabonensis on Blood Glucose, Body Weight and Behavioural Changes of Mice Exposed to Non-nutritive Sweeteners during Gestation Period

Aim: Aim of this research was to investigate the role of Sacoglotts gabonensis on blood sugar, body weight and behavioural changes of mice exposed to artificial sweeteners.

Study Design: A total of 16 female mice (mean weight 18.6±2.32g) divided into four groups were used in this study.

Methodology: Group A received no sweeteners or S. gabonensis, B received 50mg of sweeteners only, C received 50mg of sweeteners and 250mg/kg/bw of S. gabonensis, D received 250mg/kg/bw of S. gabonensis only for 8weeks.

Results: show that group A and D had significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose concentration with 7.27±3.53 mmol/L and 8.22±1.87 mmol/L respectively compared to group B and C with 9.12±1.03 mmol/L and 8.22±1.87 mmol/L. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in body weight in groups A 32.60±7.34g and B 31.38±4.53g compared to groups C, 22.45±15.49g and D, 24.00±14.71g. Gestation length was between 19 and 20 days for the different groups and behavioural changes such as climbing, running, nesting and restlessness were observed in all the groups.

Conclusion: The administration of S. gabonensis did not alter gestation length and behavioural changes during gravid period in experimental animals but altered the blood glucose concentrations However, administration of S. gabonensis is recommended for individuals who are at risk of developing high blood glucose concentration and increased body weight as it has shown modulatory effect on blood glucose and body weight gain.