MP491/6-Undergraduate Research Project Proposal 1. Title ... - UCSI

6. Title: Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Limonia acidissima bark extract.
Supervisor(s)
Main: Mr. Nalamolu Koteswara Rao.
Co- : Dr. Gabriel Akowuah.
Objective(s)
1. Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Limonia acidissima bark extract using
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by hyperglycemia and
a number of complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and
cardiopathy. A worldwide survey showed that nearly 10% of the population is affected by
this disorder. Modern treatment of diabetes based on oral hypoglycaemics
(sulphonylureas, biguanides and –glucosidase inhibitors) and insulin showed an
adverse effect with relatively high rates of secondary failure. As an alternative approach,
scientific investigation on traditional remedies has led to the discovery of herbal drugs for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. An estimated 90% of the population in rural areas of
developing countries still relies on traditional medicines for their primary health care.
Limonia acidissima (Rutaceae), commonly known as wood apple (locally named
belinggai), is distributed in dry warm regions of Burma, India, Malaya and Sri Lanka.
Traditionally, the constituents (in paste form) from the bark of L. acidissima is mixed with
water and applied mainly to the face for removal of small spots or lesions for a smooth,
fair and well-textured complexion. It is also known to protect against skin cancer by
blocking UV rays. Oil and constituents derived from the leaf, bark, root and fruit pulp are
used against snake bites, and as fungicides, bactericides and insecticides.
As constituents of bark extract from this plant have been used in traditional medicine
for diabetes management, we are interested to find out the value of its hypoglycemic
activity. Therefore, the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of bark extract of L.
acidissima will be useful in illustrating its mechanism of action and promote its
commercial development.
7. Title: Patient-Focused Medication Adherence Type-II Diabetes Mellitus
Supervisor(s)
Main: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Siew Wei
Co- : None
Objectives:
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-focused tool in improving medication adherence
among Type-II diabetic patients.
2. To develop a patient Medication Adherence Plan (MAP) for improving medication adherence in
diabetes mellitus.
4