A popular African fruit found to regulate blood sugar levels

A Malawian study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines showed that powder derived from the fruit of the sausage tree (Kigelia africana) significantly improves blood sugar level. This was determined through an in vivo study conducted in hyperglycemic rats.

• The high incidence of diabetes has led to a rise in herbal remedies that claim to have anti-diabetic activity. However, not all of these have been proven to be effective.
• For centuries, the different parts of the sausage tree have been used as traditional medicines for conditions such as fungal infections, boils, pneumonia, and diabetes.
• Previous studies have shown that the fruit of the sausage tree has anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory activities. But there are limited studies that look at its ability to improve blood sugar levels, even though the fruit powder is already being sold as an anti-diabetic remedy.
• The different effects of the fruit are due to the presence of bioactive compounds like phenylpropanoid derivatives, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins.
• In this study, the researchers determined the hypoglycemic potential of fruit powder from the sausage tree by administering them in rats with dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia. This chemical induces hyperglycemia by promoting glucose production and reducing insulin sensitivity.
• The team also administered some rats with metformin, which is a common antidiabetic medication, to determine the herbal remedy’s potential.

From this experiment, the researchers observed that sausage tree fruit powder reduces blood glucose levels to the same extent as the conventional anti-diabetic drug metformin. This proves that it has potential use as a natural remedy against diabetes.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

For more articles about natural diabetes remedies, visit DiabetesCure.news.

Journal Reference:

Lampiao F, Kafukiza S, Msowoya D, Phiri T, Wyson L, Alfazema L. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOGLYCAEMIC POTENTIAL OF KIGELIA AFRICANA FRUIT POWDER BEING SOLD IN MALAWIAN RETAIL PHARMACIES. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 31 May 2018;15(3). DOI: 10.21010/ajtcamv15i3.3