Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Effect on Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Baobab fruits have been traditionally used in Africa due to their therapeutic properties attributed to their high polyphenol content. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baobab fruit on postprandial glycaemia in healthy adults and to measure its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The study (NCT05140629) was conducted on 31 healthy subjects. The participants were randomly allocated in the control group (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); n = 16) and in the intervention group (OGTT, followed by administration of 250 mL baobab aqueous extract (BAE); n = 15). Total phenols, proanthocyanins, hydrolyzable tannins, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and inhibition of O2·− and NO· methods) were quantified. Repeated measures ANOVA of mixed type and independent samples t-test were used. Glycemia incremental area under the curve (p = 0.012) and glucose maximum concentration (p = 0.029) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The BAE revealed high total contents of phenols, proanthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins, as well as a strong capacity to scavenge superoxide anions and nitric oxide radicals and a high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this study encourages the use of this food component as a promising source of natural antioxidants and a hypoglycemic agent under glucose load acute conditions.

Bio‐fabrication and characterization of nano‐silver using Kickxia elatine plant and its anti‐diabetic effect on alloxan‐induced Sprague Dawley rats — An in vivo approach

“…75 It has been demonstrated that tannins minimize the risk of developing diabetes by improving glucose absorption and lowering blood sugar levels. 76 Saponins enhance the activities of various antioxidant enzymes such as catalases and superoxide dismutase, which is usually lowered in hyperglycemic conditions. 77 The various plant extracts are cost-effective, safe, and environmentally benign for the creation of NPs, 78,79 So in the present project KE-AgNPs were successfully synthesized from KE extract via green processing.…”

“…A variety of tannins derived from medicinal plants help to slow the onset of diabetes and its associated complications by acting on key biochemical pathways and targets 75 . It has been demonstrated that tannins minimize the risk of developing diabetes by improving glucose absorption and lowering blood sugar levels 76 . Saponins enhance the activities of various antioxidant enzymes such as catalases and superoxide dismutase, which is usually lowered in hyperglycemic conditions 77 …”

Prospects of ultrasonically extracted food bioactives in the field of non-invasive biomedical applications – A review

“…They increase glucose transporter isoform 2 (GLUT)2 expression in pancreatic -cells and stimulate GLUT4 translocation via the Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (Akt) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP-activated protein kinase pathways. Thus, glucose metabolism improved, notably with the BuOH fraction, which had antihyperglycemic/antihyperlipidemic characteristics and relieved streptozotocin-induced pancreatic damage [184] .…”

“…The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular mitochondrial dysfunction happens due to the advanced glycation of proteins and lipids. As a result, these antioxidants help to prevent endothelial dysfunction [184] . anti-diabetic action includes Chlorogenic and ferulic acids; both stimulate transporters and have anti-diabetic properties.…”

Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) Bioactive Compounds, Biological Activities, and the Potential Effect on Glycemia: A Narrative Review

“…The po tential effect of this fruit in glycemia management has been attributed to procyanidin com pounds that activate insulin signaling pathways and glucose transport to the adipose and muscle cells [17]. Results from animal and human studies have shown Adansonia digitat L. fruit aqueous extract ingestion to be effective in blood glucose level control [18,19].…”