Download Chapter I-Basilla_Enanoria - KRYPTON2011-12

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Hyperglycemia is a phenotype most commonly seen in patients with
diabetes mellitus. Factors contributing to hyperglycemia depend on the etiology
of Diabetes Mellitus.
Hyperglycemia occurs when an individual has a higher than usual level of
glucose in his blood. This happens shortly after eating a big meal. Cells remove
glucose from the blood in response to insulin. Blood glucose levels get too high if
cells are unable to respond to insulin (insulin resistance). Without glucose, cells
are unable to make energy and can’t function properly.
Diabetes Mellitus is a silent epidemic disease and is one of the leading
causes of blindness, reason for dialysis, strokes, and heart attacks. In the United
States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that
20.8 million persons, or 7% of the population, had diabetes in 2005 (~30% of
individuals with diabetes were undiagnosed). Based on current trends, > 360
million individuals will have diabetes by the year 2030.
A. Background of the Study
Camias (Averrhoa Bilimbi) is a small tree growing 5 to 12 meters high.
Leaves are pinnate, 20-60 cm long, with hairy rachis and leaflets. Leaflets are
opposite, 10 to 17 pairs, oblong, 5 to 10 cm in length. Flowers are about 1.5 long
and slightly fragrant. Fruit is green and edible, about 4 cm long, subcylindric with
5 obscure, broad, rounded, longitudinal lobes.
It is eaten raw and is also prepared as a relish and food flavoring. But
however, according to folklore, it can cure skin diseases, especially with pruritus,
its fruit juice is used as eye drops and it can also cure cough and thrush.
B. Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this study is to determine the Hypoglycemia effects of
Camias on Confectionery sugar-induced hyperglycemia on male albino mice.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that causes serious health
complications and it is now one of the most common non-communicable
diseases globally. It is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most highincome countries and there is substantial evidence that it is epidemic in many
economically developing and newly industrialized nations.
Recently, there has been a growing interest in anti-diabetic agents from
natural products especially those derived from plants. The anti-diabetic agents
have been focused on plants used in traditional medicine because that may be a
better treatment than currently used synthetic drugs.
C. Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to determine if (Averrhoa Bilimbi) Camias leaf
decoction has hypoglycemic effect on Confectionery sugar induced
hyperglycemic male albino mice.
D. Hypothesis of the Study
Camias leaf decoction has hypoglycemic effects on Confectionary sugarinduced hyperglycemia on male albino mice.
E. Significance of the Study
If proven effective, the abundance of Camias trees in our community will
provide a cheaper alternative medication for our poor patients suffering from
diabetes who can’t afford the regular maintenance medications prescribed by the
physicians
F. Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study utilizes only male albino mice.
Only young leaves of camias indigenous to Iligan City were used as test
product of the study.
Only decoction extracted from the young leaves of Camias were used as
test product.
G. Definition of Terms
Albino – an animal or plant that is unable to produce normal pigment (coloring
substance) in some or all of its organs. This is caused by a change of genes
(units of heredity) and can be inherited.
Camias – is a small tree growing 5 to 12 meters high. Leaves are pinnate, 20-60
cm long, with hairy rachis and leaflets. According to folklore, it can cure several
diseases.
Confectioner’s Sugar- also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar.
Decoction–is a method of extraction, by boiling, of dissolved chemicals, or herbal
or plant material, which may include stems, roots, bark and rhizomes.
Hyperglycemia – is a phenotype of Diabetes Mellitus. It occurs when glucose
levels are above the normal level.