Limonia fruit as a food supplement to regulate fluoride-induced hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia.

Background: Limonia fruit pulp is edible and used in a number of food preparations. This fruit is also used as a folk medicine to treat various ailments and reportedly possesses antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic activities. The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential of Limonia acidissima L. (LA) fruit pulp in regulating the carbohydrate and lipid profiles in fluoride-exposed rats.

Results: Exposure to fluoride (100 mg l⁻¹ NaF) resulted in significant increases in plasma and hepatic carbohydrate and lipid profiles. Administration of LA fruit powder (2.5, 5 and 10 g kg⁻¹) in the diet for 4 weeks resulted in significant decreases in plasma glucose and lipid profiles and hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity and significant increases in hepatic glycogen content and hexokinase activity and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Phytochemical analysis of the LA fruit pulp revealed the presence of fibres, phytosterols, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid.

Conclusion: Consumption of LA fruit pulp is beneficial in controlling hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in fluoride-induced toxicity. Since fibres, phytosterols, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids and total ascorbic acid are known to influence both carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, the decline in carbohydrate and lipid levels in LA-administered fluoride-exposed rats could be attributed to the phytoconstituents of the fruit.