CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite Hypoglycemic Potential of the Rind of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) on Alloxan-Induced Male Sprague Dawley Rats PROPONENTS: KEZHIA CAMILLE G. QUIACOS, ZYRIN B BEIG, JASPHER GWYNETH A. JUDILLA Cavite Science Integrated School (CSIS) Maragondon, Cavite Region IV-A, Philippines Email: judillajaspher@gmail.com Abstract: The Philippines faces a significant and increasing burden of diabetes, with the prevalence of the disease continuing to escalate over time. While there are various medications and treatments available for diabetes, its high costs makes it unaffordable for many Filipinos. This study entitled “Hypoglycemic Potential of the Rind of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) on Alloxan-induced Male Sprague Dawley Rats'' aims to determine if the extract from Rambutan rind is effective for lowering the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. For this study, a total of fifteen male Sprague Dawley rats were utilized and induced with alloxan and then categorized into five treatment groups: Positive Control, Negative Control, 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg of Methanolic Rambutan Rind Extract (MRRE). The rats underwent fasting, and their blood glucose levels were measured before treatment, on days three, six, and nine of the experimentation. The findings of the study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats treated with the MRRE. It was proven to be statistically as effective as glibenclamide, a common diabetes medication. The results showed that the MRRE at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW had the best activity as it significantly decreased the blood glucose level of the rats, exhibiting a hypoglycemic activity by lowering the blood glucose level by 33.70% in day 3. These indicate that the extract possesses hypoglycemic properties, effective in normalizing blood sugar levels and could potentially serve as a key ingredient in the development of anti-diabetic medications. KEYWORDS: 1.1. Background of the Study 1. INTRODUCTION Diabetes, a prevalent and chronic endocrine disorder, is associated with various secondary complications. Despite the availability of numerous antidiabetic drugs, there remains a continuous need for costeffective and safe alternative interventions. The extract derived from the peel of the rambutan fruit has garnered attention in this regard due to its abundance of phenolic compounds which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the research on the therapeutic potential of the rambutan rind for diabetes management is still limited. Hence, this study aims to investigate the hypoglycemic properties of the rambutan rind, thereby contributing to the exploration of novel treatment approaches in the realm of diabetes management. ENGAGE Diabetes is a significant public health issue, not only in the Philippines but also on a global scale. In Asian populations, the onset of diabetes occurs at a younger age compared to caucasian populations, resulting in higher rates of deaths from the disease among young individuals. The Philippines is one of these Asian countries being affected by the disease and ranked fifth on the list behind China, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand in the number of diabetics. A study conducted in 2019 also showed that Filipinos have higher rates of diabetes compared with other races and ethnicities. In the same year, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that out of the total Filipino adult population 3 million of 63 million individuals had diabetes, showing a 6.3% prevalence rate among adults. The IDF's projections also suggest that the number of Filipino adults living with diabetes is expected to increase by 2030 with an estimated number of 5 million individuals EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite While there are various medications and treatments available for diabetes, many of these options come with a high cost that is not affordable for few Filipinos. The Philippines suffers from lack of governmental support when it comes to diabetes care. State insurance programs do not cover medications for diabetes, and private insurance companies offer limited coverage. As a result, most patients rely on out-of-pocket costs. In fact, a survey conducted in 2019 showed that 99 percent of Filipinos claimed that they can’t afford prescription drugs which enforces them to disregard their prescribed medicines. In the year when the COVID-19 pandemic began, a study found that a growing number of Filipinos were struggling to afford their medications due to the loss of their source of income. Due to the high cost of diabetes medications, many individuals who lack the financial means are unable to obtain the necessary treatment for their condition. Consequently, some individuals turn to untested and unverified alternatives in an effort to address their disease. For centuries, in various Asian countries, the traditional use of herbs and fruits as natural remedies to enhance the immune system has been practiced. Multiple medicinal herbs also demonstrate comparable effectiveness in reducing blood glucose levels when compared to conventional diabetes medications. Through an experimental study examining the phytochemicals present in various plant extracts, it was discovered that the peel of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) contains components with potential antidiabetic properties. The phytochemicals derived from rambutan rind, demonstrated the ability to slow down the increase in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Moreover, the extracts obtained from rambutan peel, exhibited enhanced glycogen activity in the liver of the rats, indicating a positive impact on their overall diabetic condition. The mentioned studies have highlighted the hypoglycemic properties of rambutan rind extracts, indicating their potential as an ingredient in alternative diabetes remedies. These findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of plantbased alternatives in medicine. This study seeked to investigate the potential hypoglycemic properties of rambutan peel, a commonly discarded fruit waste material. While rambutan is primarily recognized for its edible flesh, this research aimed to explore whether the rind can offer valuable contributions to the development of diabetes treatments, thereby enhancing its accessibility to most Filipinos. 1.1 Statement of the Problem The aim of this study is to determine if the rind of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) has hypoglycemic properties that are effective for lowering blood glucose levels Extracts from the rambutan rind are tested to sprague dawley rats rats in a laboratory to determine its potential as an alternative component for anti-diabetic medicine. ENGAGE Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats as the extract dose from the rind increases? 2. What is the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats before and after the treatment from the rambutan rind extract? 3. Is there a significant difference on the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats before and after treated with the rambutan rind extract? 4. Is there no significant difference on the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats treated with the rambutan rind extract from the sprague dawley rats treated with glibenclamide from the market? 1.2 Hypotheses 1. The blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats did not change after given a higher dose of extract. 2. The blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats did not change before and after treatment from the rambutan rind extract. 3. There is no significant difference in the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats before and after treated with rambutan rind extract. 4. There is a significant difference in the blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats treated with the rambutan rind extract and rats treated with glibenclamide. 1.3 Significance of the Study This research will be conducted with the aim of determining whether the rind of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) has a hypoglycemic property, effective for lowering blood glucose levels and to explore the feasibility of utilizing rambutan rind as a potential alternative ingredient in anti-diabetic medicine.This study will be of benefit to the researchers, patients, drug manufacturers, and the country. For researchers, the data obtained from this study will provide new ideas for the production of more affordable and accessible diabetes medication, as well as serve as valuable information for statistical analyses related to fruit extracts' anti-diabetic abilities. Patients diagnosed with diabetes could benefit from a lowcost medication composed of rambutan rind extract, as it would reduce the financial burden and increase accessibility. Drug manufacturers may gain advantages from developing a significantly cheaper diabetes medication, leading to a larger customer base and lower production costs. Additionally, in countries like the Philippines, where the number of people with diabetes is increasing and medication costs are high, the abundance of rambutan and its ability to lower blood glucose levels present an opportunity to provide accessible medication to a larger population. Overall, this research has the potential to contribute to the development of affordable and EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite accessible anti-diabetic medication, benefiting various stakeholders and improving healthcare outcomes. 2.4 Induction of Alloxan Diabetes was induced in the fifteen overnight fasting rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan(150 mg/kg body weight; BW). 2. MATERIALS AND METHOD The research study was conducted at the Esteleydes Animal Laboratory and Research Facility in Dasmariñas Cavite,under the supervision of Doctor Leonardo Esteleydes. The consultant looked over the process and proper protocols during the experimentation. The time of the experimentation ranged from March to May of 2023. 2.5 Fasting of Rats Before Blood Collection 2.1 Animal Care and Consideration 2.6 Blood Collection Before Experimentation The forms and procedures for using sprague dawley rats were filled out and followed. The rats taken (total of fifteen) weighing 70–88 g were obtained from Esteleydes Animal Laboratory and stored in a standardized cage; the rats are grouped into five, with three rats in each case. The rats in the cages were stored in a controlled environment that has a temperature of 24±2 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 50–55 g.m-3. The rats were given free access to Integra Power 3000 mixed pellets, grains, and mineral water. The fasting blood glucose level of the sprague dawley rats was measured 72 hours after alloxan administration using a portable glucometer to see if hyperglycemia developed. The rats with blood glucose levels ≥ 120 mg/dL were considered diabetic and ready for experimentation. 2.2 Plant Material Collection The rambutans were bought from Fruits Lokal, an online shop. Three kilograms of rind were obtained by the researchers in preparation for the rind extraction. 2.3 Methanolic Extraction of Rambutan Rind The rambutan rind was washed with clean water to remove dirt. It was then dried in an Excalibur Food Dehydrator at 57 degrees Celsius for 12 hours to effectively remove moisture. The dried rinds were powdered using an Osterizer blender and sieved through a stainless steel sieve mesh 80. The powdered rinds were soaked in 80% methanol (1:10 powder to solvent ratio). The crude extract was filtered using Whatman No. 1 filter paper and refrigerated until the solvent evaporated. Methanol was removed from the filtered extract using a Heidolph rotary evaporator. The methanolic rambutan rind extract (MRRE) yield was prepared at a concentration of 500 mg/mL using distilled water as the solvent. The solutions were sonicated with a Digital Pro+ ultrasonicator for 20 minutes to aid dissolution. The stock solutions were stored in sterile 50 mL centrifuge tubes and refrigerated until further use. ENGAGE Before the fasting blood sugar test, the bedding was changed to ensure that no food was present in the rats cage. During the fasting blood sugar test, the rats underwent fasting, where their food was withheld for 8 to 10 hours, which started at 12:00 AM. 2.7 In vivo testing Before the one week of acclimation, the fifteen rats were divided into the following five groups: Group-1 (Positive group): Diabetic rats with a positive treatment (Glibenclamide) Group-2 (Negative group): Diabetic rats without treatment (Water) Group-3 (Rambutan rind extract 250 mg/kg BW): The diabetic rats treated with rambutan rind extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW for 9 days Group-4 (Rambutan rind extract 500 mg/kg BW): The diabetic rats treated with rambutan rind extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW for 9 days Group-5 (Rambutan rind extract 1000 mg/kg BW): The diabetic rats treated with rambutan rind extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg BW for 9 days 2.8 Data Gathering Blood samples will be collected from the tail vein of all rats on days 3, 6, and 9 of the experimentation. Before the blood collection, the rats underwent fasting in order to get their actual blood glucose levels. The tails of the rats were pricked with a needle in order to collect their Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS). The FBS test was done with the use of the Sinocare glucometer. EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite 2.9 Risk and Safety The experiment encountered minimal risks. To minimize the possible harm in conducting this experiment, the qualified scientist who handles the extracts wears the necessary protective gear: mask, lab coat, gloves, and a hairnet. Materials used in the experimentation were cleaned properly as per the protocol of the Bureau of Animal Industry. The equipment in treating exposure or cleaning up spills were prepared in order to prevent toxic chemicals from causing harm to the researchers. 2.9.1 Disposal of Materials Reusable equipment, oral gavage, and caging used in the experiment were cleaned properly. The syringe and strips were special waste surrendered to the government waste collector and put in a clean big plastic bottle to avoid contamination.The sprague dawley rats were injected 1ml/2 kg BW Euthasol pentobarbital, and after two to five minutes, the rats were euthanized. The rats were buried beside a banana tree. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The following section presents the fasting blood sugar levels of the Sprague Dawley rats observed during the experimental period. It documents the alterations in the recorded data of the Sprague Dawley rats before and after the treatment. All experimental procedures were conducted at the Esteleydes Animal Laboratory and Research Facility located in Dasmarinas Cavite. Memory Alloys (SMAs). This work deals with the numerical analysis of the aerodynamic stresses operating on the fan based on earlier thermal and form characterization of a single morphing blade for a heavyduty automotive cooling axial fan. Table 3.2. Number of Trials Functionality Rate (%) 30 100 Summary Table of the Functionality Rate of the Sensor’s Identification of Mosquito Out of 30 trials, the audio sensor successfully detects and identifies the mosquito’s frequency level, giving its graphed and plotted data on the Serial Plotter. Hence, concluding the 100% functionality rate result on the above table. Supported by the study conducted by Salim, et.al. (2017), it is stated that different mosquito types, specifically female mosquitoes, have their own frequency levels (e.g. Aedes aegypti). Given that the device can successfully identify and record the insect’s frequency, it can be used in identifying the type of mosquito it detects. Table 3.3. Summary Table of the Overall Success Rate of the Machine Table 3.1. Average of the blood glucose level of Sprague dawley rats (mg/dL) The table above shows that the fan completely activates whenever a mosquito sound is detected by the machine, having a 100% success rate. This shows that the fan can successfully suck the mosquitoes inside the machine. In relation to the study of Smart morphing blades by Suman et.al. (2017), which can govern themselves to decrease or eliminate the requirement for active control system in blade technology. This study proposes a new passive control system based on Shape ENGAGE With the given existing data of the success rate of the fan and the functionality rate of the sensor’s identification of the mosquitoes’ frequency, it concludes that the machine works properly, with a 100% success rate. In a study by Santos et.al. (2019), it is discussed that an acoustic sensor’s detection for flying insects has been proven to successfully identify the specific wingbeat frequencies for each of the mosquitoes’ species and gender classification which gives way to an innovation of beforeused optical sensors. With the Anti-Den being tested to have a 100% overall success rate, its lure and trap function has been induced with the idea of the audio sensor’s capability to identify and record detected sound frequencies. EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite 4. CONCLUSIONS This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic properties of rambutan rind extract. In order to achieve this, in vivo testing was conducted involving 15 alloxaninduced Sprague Dawley rats. The aim was to assess the impact of various dosages of the extract on the rats' blood glucose levels. The results demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose levels, transitioning the rats from a diabetic state to normal blood sugar levels. This provides compelling evidence that the extract derived from rambutan rind possesses hypoglycemic properties. These findings suggest the potential utility of the extract as a component in the development of anti-diabetic medications. Findings of the study highlighted the promising potential of rambutan rind extract as a natural treatment alternative for diabetes, shedding light on the importance of further investigation to comprehend its full range of benefits and risks. The utilization of natural compounds for addressing diabetes and other chronic conditions is increasingly garnering attention, and this study contributes to the expanding body of research exploring the potential advantages they may offer. The in vivo testing showed a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose levels in diabetic sprague dawley rats treated with the extract, with the most effective dosage of 500 mg/kg BW as it significantly decreased the blood glucose level of the rats, exhibiting hypoglycemic activity by lowering the blood glucose level by 33.70% in day 3. In fact, the extract was found to be more effective than that of glibenclamide, which is one of the medications used in maintaining diabetes. The findings of this study indicated that the use of Rambutan rind extract at a dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight showed more promising outcomes compared to extracts from pomegranate leaves, pomegranate rind, and melon fruit. On the third day of treatment with Rambutan rind extract, the blood glucose level of the treated rats exhibited a significant decrease of 20.73%. This reduction rate was higher than the hypoglycemic effects observed with pomegranate leaf and rind extracts, both administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, which resulted in reductions of 10.90% and 10.15% respectively after seven days of treatment. It still had a larger decrease compared to that of 400 mg/kg body weight of melon fruit, which obtained 11.92% at its 7th day compared to glibenclamide, a conventional medication used to treat diabetes. The findings of this study suggest that the extract derived from the rambutan rind has the potential to contribute to the development of insulin-related medications. However, further research is required to comprehensively comprehend the mechanisms underlying ENGAGE its hypoglycemic properties, determine the optimal dosage and mode of administration, and investigate potential side effects and toxicity. Based on the results obtained, we recommend conducting additional investigations to explore the extract of the rambutan rind as a potential natural treatment for diabetes. Future research could also explore its effects on other conditions such as hepatitis, elevated creatine levels, and high uric acid, as these conditions are associated with elevated blood glucose levels. Furthermore, studies focusing on identifying the most effective dosage and appropriate administration methods for the extract could enhance its potential for clinical application. Specifically, future studies could investigate the extract's long-term effects on blood glucose levels, as well as its potential side effects and toxicity at higher dosages. Additionally, studies could examine the potential of combining the extract with other natural compounds or conventional medications to enhance its hypoglycemic effects. Moreover, the efficacy of the extract of the rambutan rind in human trials should also be explored to determine if it can be an effective alternative or complementary treatment for individuals with diabetes. In particular, researchers should investigate the optimal dosage and mode of administration for the extract, as well as the potential risks and benefits of long-term use. In conclusion, this study provides promising evidence for the hypoglycemic properties of the extract of the rambutan rind. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of this natural compound and to determine its potential role in the treatment of diabetes. 5. REFERENCES Arcellana, Anna Elvira, and Cecilia Jimeno. “Challenges and Opportunities for Diabetes Care in the Philippines in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 35, no. 1 (2020): 55–57. https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.035.01.04. Baclig, Cristina Eloisa. “Diabetes: A Bitter Health Cris7is for Filipinos.” INQUIRER.net, July 20, 2021. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1461980/diabetes-abitter-health-crisis-for-filipinos. Hernández-Hernández, C., C.N. Aguilar, R. RodríguezHerrera, A.C. Flores-Gallegos, J. Morlett-Chávez, M. Govea-Salas, and J.A. Ascacio-Valdés. “Rambutan(Nephelium Lappaceum l.):Nutritional and Functional Properties.” Trends in Food Science & Technology 85 (2019): 201–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.01.018. EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite Higuchi, Michiyo. “Access to Diabetes Care and Medicines in the Philippines.” Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health 22, no. 3_suppl (2010). https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539510373005. Ma, Qingyu, Yan Guo, Liping Sun, and Yongliang Zhuang. “Anti-Diabetic Effects of Phenolic Extract from Rambutan Peels (Nephelium Lappaceum) in High-Fat Diet and StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic rats.” Nutrients 9, no. 8 (2017): 801. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080801. Ramachandran, Ambady, Ronald Ching Wan Ma, and Chamukuttan Snehalatha. “Diabetes in Asia.” The Lancet 375, no. 9712 (2010): 408–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(09)60937-5. Rambutan, a tropical plant with ethno - researchgate. Accessed May 16, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/M-HesamShahrajabian/publication/338914007_RAMBUT AN_A_TROPICAL_PLANT_WITH_ETHNO_P HARMACEUTICAL_PROPERTIES/links/5e32b 423a6fdccd96576e158/RAMBUTAN-ATROPICAL-PLANT-WITH-ETHNOPHARMACEUTICAL-PROPERTIES.pdf. Salwe, Kartik J, Devender O Sachdev, Yogesh Bahurupi, and Manimekalai Kumarappan. “Evaluation of Antidiabetic, Hypolipedimic and Antioxidant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves and Fruit Peel of Punica Granatum in Male Wistar sprague dawley Rats.” Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4 367068/. Srivastava, Arvind Kumar, Alok Mukerjee, and Abhishek Tripathi. “Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activities of Cucumis Melo Var. Momordica Fruit Extract on Experimental Animals - Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” SpringerOpen, November 20, 2020. https://fjps.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43 094-020-00116-z. Suhendi, Andi. “Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiabetic of Channa Striata Powder And ...” ResearchGate, 2020. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338473 391_Antiinflammatory_and_antidiabetic_of_Channa_striat a_powder_and_Nephelium_lappaceum_fruit_peel _ethanolic_extracts_on_sprague dawley_Wistar_rats. ENGAGE Susilowati, Retno. “Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, Volume 231.” The Potential of Rambutan Seed Extract to Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 231 (2018). https://doi.org/Atlantis press. Uchima, Olivia, Yan Yan Wu, Colette Browne, and Kathryn L. Braun. “Disparities in Diabetes Prevalence among Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders and Asians in Hawai‘i.” Preventing Chronic Disease 16 (2019). https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd16.180187. Willcox, Merlin L., Christina Elugbaju, Marwah AlAnbaki, Mark Lown, and Bertrand Graz. “Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of MetaAnalyses of Clinical Trials.” Frontiers in Pharmacology 12 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777561. Yee, Jovic. “99 Percent of Filipinos Can’t Afford Prescription Drugs, Says Survey.” INQUIRER.net, December 6, 2019. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1198647/99-percentof-filipinos-cant-afford%E2%80%8Dprescription-drugs -says-survey. 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The researchers were incredibly fortunate to have had an exceptional opportunity to conduct this project, marking a significant achievement in their senior high school journey. They acknowledge that this accomplishment would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance provided by those who supported them throughout the entire process. Therefore, they wish to express their profound appreciation to all those who played a role in contributing to the successful completion of this research study. First and foremost, to God, whom they owe everything to. They want to thank the almighty for giving them knowledge and strength they needed throughout their journey. To the wonderful parents of the researchers, who showed their unconditional support and unwavering commitment to providing the researchers with the necessary resources and assistance they needed for the research process. To the research adviser, Ma’am Elain Malones, who guided them from the start to the end of the study. She was always open for questions needed to be clarified regarding the research. EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023 CAVITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL (Regional Science High School – Region IV-A) Garita B, Maragondon, Cavite To Mr. Leonardo Esteleydes and Mrs. Nimfa Esteleydes, who played an important role in guiding and supporting the students throughout the research experimentation, displaying utmost consideration for their individual circumstances. To all other individuals who helped them in accomplishing this research study but were not mentioned in this letter, the researchers want to express their deepest appreciation for making this project possible, thank you very much. ENGAGE EXPLORE EXCEL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SY 2022 - 2023