Effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) on glycemic markers in animal models of diabetes: A systematic review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is traditionally used by different populations of Africa, América, Asia, and Europa to control diabetes. Although its action has been evaluated in several preclinical rodent trials, they have not been systematically analyzed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of using okra in the treatment of diabetes in experimental rodent models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Controlled and randomized rodent animal trials with induced diabetes published between January 2000 and January 2021 were searched in the PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and Web of Science databases. The search strategy included studies comprising the descriptors: animal species, diabetes induction method, intervention time, part of okra fruit used (whole, seeds, or peels), and dose as well as observed effects on biochemical and metabolic parameters. The systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement, Cochrane bias risk tool (SYRCLE's RoB tool), and registered for systematic review protocols (PROSPERO). RESULTS: A total of 326 articles were identified and after the exclusion of studies with gestational animal models, non-rodent animals, and non-diabetic animals, 11 studies involving 388 rodents were selected for the synthesis of results. The diabetes induction methods included streptozotocin, streptozotocin-nicotinamide, alloxan monohydrate, insulin resistance by high-fat diets or formulation described in AIN - 76, and feeding with high-fat food. Both Wistar albino rats, Sprague-Dawley males, and rats of both sexes of the Long-Evans lineage as well as male albino mice and C57BL females were included in the experiments. Studies showed that extracts of the fruit, the fresh fruit, or its various fractions had positive effects on the following markers: glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol, HOMA-IR, oral glucose tolerance test, and blood glucose, in acute (2 and 24 h), and chronic (up to 4 months) treatment. CONCLUSION: An important hypoglycemic effect of okra in its various fractions on induced diabetes was observed by different authors. Moreover, okra promoted improvement in metabolic markers such as insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and bodyweight loss.

Glycemic response to Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L) in healthy subjects and with the in vitro hydrolysis index / Respuesta glucémica de algarrobo (Ceratonia siliqua L) en sujetos sanos y con el índice de hidrólisis in vitro

The purpose of this study was to determine the in vivo glycemic index of carob tablets with healthy subjects and to determine the in vitro glycemic index of carob tablets and carob flour by the hydrolysis index. Seven healthy volunteers consumed portions of carob tablets containing 26g of available carbohydrate. Their capillary blood was taken at intervals after carob or glucose consumption. The glycemic hydrolysis index by an in vitro technique was based in the release of glucose after enzymatic treatment of carob tablets and carob flour. The determination of the fiber content was performed using the enzymatic- gravimetric method. By the in vivo determination, the estimated glycemic index of carob tablets could be considered low (≤ 55). By the in vitro determination, the estimated glycemic index ranged from 40.1+0.02 of carob tablets to 40.6+0.05 of carob flour. The total fiber values obtained for carob flour samples were from 42.6% ± 0.49 to 42.9% ± 0.68 with no statistical significant differences between samples. Carob tablets and carob flour could be classified as low glycemic index food and low glycemic load food. Carob flour is a high fiber food, containing mainly high levels of insoluble fiber (AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos determinar el índice glucémico in vivo de barras de algarroba en individuos saludables y determinar el índice glucémico in vitro de barras de algarroba y harina de algarroba, utilizando el índice de hidrólisis. Siete voluntarios saludables consumieron porciones de barras de algarroba conteniendo 26 g de carbohidratos. Se han recolectado muestras de sangre capilar tras la ingestión de barras de algarroba y de glucosa. El índice de glucosa in vitro se basó en la liberación de glucosa tras el tratamiento enzimático de barras de harina de algarroba. La determinación de fibras se realizó por el método enzimático-gravimétrico. Por la determinación in vitro, el índice glicémico estimado puede ser considerado bajo (≤ 55). Por la determinación in vitro, el índice glicémico varió entre 40.1±0.02 (barras) y 40.6±0.05 (harina). El tenor de fibra alimentaria encontrado fue del 42.6% ± 0.49 a 42.9% ± 0.68, sin diferencias estadísticas entre las uestras. Las barras de harina de algarroba pueden ser clasificadas como alimentos de bajo índice glicémico y de baja carga glucémica. La harina de algarroba presenta alto tenor de fibras alimentarias, sobre todo fibras insolubles (AU)

Glycemic response to carob (ceratonia siliqua L) in healthy subjects and with the in vitro hydrolysis index.

The purpose of this study was to determine the in vivo glycemic index of carob tablets with healthy subjects and to determine the in vitro glycemic index of carob tablets and carob flour by the hydrolysis index. Seven healthy volunteers consumed portions of carob tablets containing 26g of available carbohydrate. Their capillary blood was taken at intervals after carob or glucose consumption. The glycemic hydrolysis index by an in vitro technique was based in the release of glucose after enzymatic treatment of carob tablets and carob flour. The determination of the fiber content was performed using the enzymatic- gravimetric method. By the in vivo determination, the estimated glycemic index of carob tablets could be considered low (≤ 55). By the in vitro determination, the estimated glycemic index ranged from 40.1+0.02 of carob tablets to 40.6+0.05 of carob flour. The total fiber values obtained for carob flour samples were from 42.6% ± 0.49 to 42.9% ± 0.68 with no statistical significant differences between samples. Carob tablets and carob flour could be classified as low glycemic index food and low glycemic load food. Carob flour is a high fiber food, containing mainly high levels of insoluble fiber.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos determinar el índice glucémico in vivo de barras de algarroba en individuos saludables y determinar el índice glucémico in vitro de barras de algarroba y harina de algarroba, utilizando el índice de hidrólisis. Siete voluntarios saludables consumieron porciones de barras de algarroba conteniendo 26 g de carbohidratos. Se han recolectado muestras de sangre capilar tras la ingestión de barras de algarroba y de glucosa. El índice de glucosa in vitro se basó en la liberación de glucosa tras el tratamiento enzimático de barras de harina de algarroba. La determinación de fibras se realizó por el método enzimático-gravimétrico. Por la determinación in vitro, el índice glicémico estimado puede ser considerado bajo (≤ 55). Por la determinación in vitro, el índice glicémico varió entre 40.1±0.02 (barras) y 40.6±0.05 (harina). El tenor de fibra alimentaria encontrado fue del 42.6% ± 0.49 a 42.9% ± 0.68, sin diferencias estadísticas entre las muestras. Las barras de harina de algarroba pueden ser clasificadas como alimentos de bajo índice glicémico y de baja carga glucémica. La harina de algarroba presenta alto tenor de fibras alimentarias, sobre todo fibras insolubles.