Bitter kola, sausage fruit can improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation in diabetics

Experts have suggested that bitter kola and Kigelia africana could be promising candidates for natural diabetes management strategies, with potential benefits for insulin regulation, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular health.

If proven effective in humans, these natural extracts could provide a cost-effective and accessible option for diabetes management, particularly in regions where conventional medications may be less available or affordable.

It could also have significant implications for public health, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where diabetes prevalence is rising.

In their evaluation of the potential advantages of bitter kola and Kigelia Africana (sausage fruit, known as Pandoro in Yoruba and Ohi in Ibo) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the researchers discovered that rats given a combination of bitter kola and Kigelia Africana extracts produced higher amounts of insulin.

The choice of animal model is relevant for studying diabetes and testing potential treatments.

These natural extracts have the potential to be turned into alternative medicines for managing type 2 diabetes in people, especially for those looking for herbal or natural solutions, according to a study published in the journal Current Drug Discovery Technologies.

Forty-two juvenile male rats were randomly assigned to six groups for the investigation. After being given diabetes, these rats were given salt water, graded dosages of the extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), or a combination of 100 mg/kg Metformin and 5 mg/kg Glibenclamide, which are common diabetic drugs.

This treatment lasted for 6 weeks, which allows for the assessment of the extracts’ short-term and long-term effects.

The study assessed various parameters, including insulin levels, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels, lipid profiles, and the atherogenic index. These assessments are crucial for understanding the metabolic effects of the treatments on diabetic rats.

Additionally, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) was used to identify the chemical components that are thought to contribute to the medicinal effects of the extract prepared from bitter kola and Kigelia Africana.

The study assessed lipid profiles and found that the extracts could help improve these profiles in diabetic conditions. This is significant as managing lipid levels is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases, which are common complications in diabetes.

The increase in PON1 levels observed in the treated diabetic rats suggests that these extracts may play a role in enhancing cardiovascular health. PON1 is known for its protective effects against atherosclerosis, thus indicating that the extracts could help mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.

The study showed that administering the combined extracts to diabetic rats considerably raised the insulin levels in their blood in comparison to the control group, indicating that these extracts might help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation in diabetic conditions

The study highlights the need for more extensive research on the combined effects of these extracts, including clinical trials in humans, saying that this could pave the way for new dietary supplements or functional foods aimed at improving glucose homeostasis and overall metabolic health.

The combination of bitter kola and Kigelia africana shows a greater effect on insulin levels than either extract alone, indicating potential for combined therapies in diabetes management.

While the increase in insulin levels is promising, it is essential to consider the potential for adverse effects or interactions with other treatments, which warrants further investigation into the long-term safety and efficacy of these extracts in diabetic management.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence and burden of type 2 diabetes is rising quickly. Rapid uncontrolled urbanisation and major lifestyle changes could be driving this epidemic.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The main symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, needing to urinate more often than usual, and increased hunger.

Kigelia Africana has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially to treat sickle cell anaemia, epilepsy, respiratory and digestive problems, hepatic disease, skin cancer, diabetes, and cardiac and nutritional disorders.

Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections are treated with extracts from the fruit, bark, and leaves.

In folk medicine, bitter kola is recommended to control blood glucose levels with prolonged use. Bitter kola can provide some relief for those who experience the negative symptoms of high blood sugar.

The best time to eat bitter kola for blood sugar control is typically one hour before or after meals. Consuming it at this time can help enhance the absorption of its active compounds, like kolaviron, which are known to regulate blood glucose levels.

This timing allows the body to efficiently utilise the glucose-modulating properties of bitter kola, providing better control over blood sugar spikes.

In African ethnomedicine, the seed is used to treat liver disorders, coughs, colds, hoarseness of voice, and as an aphrodisiac (it increases or induces a man’s desire for sex). Additionally, it has been made into tablets and is utilised alone or in combination with other plants in a variety of herbal medicines.

Read Also: Niger gov reaffirms commitment to run open-door policy