The Effect of Calabash/ Miracle Fruit (Crescentia cujete) Decocted Extract in lowering the Blood Sugar Level

13th National Science Quest

Abstract
This study The Effect of Calabash/ Miracle Fruit (Crescentia cujete) Decocted Extract in lowering the Blood Sugar Level aims to prove that of Calabash Fruit Decocted Extract can lower blood sugar and to determine the active substances present
in Calabash Fruit that aids in lowering blood sugar level.
The Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) were collected, decocted and were divided into three levels of concentrations:
the 100%, 75%, and 50% concentrations. Each mouse was injected with decocted extract of Calabash Fruit orally using syringe
(without needle) with different levels of concentrations of the same amount of 0.5 ml. Three mice with 100% pure decocted extract another three mice with 75% concentration and the other three mice with 50% concentration. For the negative and positive control, three mice were given Glumet which served as the positive control and three mice were given water which served
as negative control. The blood sugar level of each mouse was measured in conditioning period, before and after the treatment
of the different level of concentrations. The mice were monitored every six hours for the adverse reaction of the extract.
The Phytochemical analysis yielded the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins that contributes
to the health benefits of Calabash Fruit. Most importantly, it has secondary Alkaloids which are bioactive compounds that lower the blood sugar level. Further research, fruit yields cyanhidric acid believed to stimulate insulin release.
Statistical analysis from ANOVA: Two-factor with replication reveals that the F value is less that the F crit which means
the null hypothesis is accepted. Thus, Calabash Fruit decocted extract is comparable to the commercial medicine.

Objectives of the Study

This study was conducted to prove the efficacy of Calabash/Miracle Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) Decocted Extract in lowering blood sugar level. Specifically, it aims to:
1. identify the components present in Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) Decocted Extract that could lower
the blood sugar level on mice (Mus musculus)
2. determine the significant difference among the different levels of concentrations of the Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) Decocted Extract in lowering the blood sugar level

Raja Suliman, Baguio City

February 3-5, 2016

7th Place - Life Science (Individual Category)

Results and Discussions

Conclusion

With these results the researcher concluded that the Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete) Decocted Extract is effective
agent in lowering the blood sugar level. Furthermore the following conclusions are enumerated:

1. The chemical components present in the Calabash (Crescentia cujete) Fruit Extract are the alkaloids, steroids,
flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Most importantly, it contains secondary aalkaloids that help in lowering the blood sugar
level.
2. There is no significant difference between the Calabash (Crescentia cujete) Fruit Extract and the commercial medicine.
3. The 75% level of concentration is the most comparable in lowering the blood sugar level than the commercial
medicine.

Recommendations
Based on the study being conducted, the researches recommend that:
As reflected in the table, the components present in the Calabash Fruit extract
are: Steroids, Flavonoids , Saponins and Tanins. Most importantly, it has secondary Alkaloids which are bioactive compounds that lower the blood sugar level.
Flavanoids found in C. cujete can act as anti oxidants and protect the cells of
the body from free radical damage;free radicals are reputed to damage cell and contribute to various health related problems (McArthur,1992). The presence of alkaloid was
observed in the fruit sample. Alkaloids are very important in medicine because, some
alkaloids have been used as analgesic in the treatment of coughs and as anti-inflammatory agents (Plant Database, 2004;Morton, 1981;Michael, 2004; Burkill,1985). Saponins
were present in C. cujete. Saponins are known to serve as natural antibiotics and also
boost energy (Lipkin, 1995). Saponin are also useful in reducing inflammatory of the
upper respiratory passage and also as foaming and emulsifying agent and detergent
(Frantisek, 1998). Saponins in C. cujete may serve as anti-inflammatory agent and as
antibiotic in treating diseases and ailments.

1.Further studies of Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) Decocted Extract to identify the anti-bacterial substances which
are responsible in inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
2. Other parts of Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) like bark are utilize for further test for their potential in curing
several ailments.
3.Phytochemical testing of calabash fruits obtained from different sources should be performed to determine its
components.
4.Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete) should be used as an alternative medicinal plant for high blood sugar level. However,
users should follow the recommendation of the Department of Health.

Appendices

3. test at what level of concentration is Calabash Fruit (Crescentia cujete ) Decocted Extract is comparable with
Glumet (commercial medicine)

Methodology

The table shows the difference in the blood sugar level before and after
the treatment of the decocted Calabash Fruit extract. It revealed that all the
extracts at different level of concentrations decreased the blood sugar level
of the albino mice. However, the 75% concentration has the highest average value of 84.67 mg/dL. Thus, it is the most effective blood sugar reducer
among all concentrations. Furthermore, the controlled set-up has the lowest
average value of 63 mg/dL, it implies that the Calabash extract is more effective than the positive control (Glumet).

Fernando C. Comandante

Marygrace E. Nanol

Researcher

Adviser

Surigao del Norte National High School