Search

The infusion of Chrysophyllum albidum was investigated for its antidiabetic mechanism by studying its ability to promote glucose uptake and utilization as well as its modulatory effect on metabolic activities linked to type 2 diabetes in isolated psoas muscle. Isolated psoas muscle was incubated with different concentrations of the infusion in the presence of glucose at 37°C for 2 hr. The infusion improved muscle glucose uptake, with concomitant elevated muscular levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ectonucleotidase activities, while depleting malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, adenosine triphosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, glycogen phosphorylase, glucose 6‐phosphatase, fructose‐1,6‐biphosphatase, and lipase activities. It also maintained muscular morphology, while increasing magnesium, calcium, and iron levels. The infusion inhibited α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase activities in vitro. LC‐MS analysis of the infusion revealed the presence of phenolics. These results indicate that C. albidum may mediate antidiabetic activities by stimulating muscle glucose uptake and modulation of key metabolisms linked to diabetes. Practical applications: The African star apple is among the underutilized fruits consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes in Western Africa. The fruits are usually wasted during its season leading to postharvest loss owing to poor utilization. The present study gives credence to its use in treating diabetes and its complications. Thus, the fruits can be utilized in the development of cheap and affordable nutraceuticals for the management of diabetes which has been reported for its high‐cost treatment. Utilization of the fruits will also reduce its postharvest loss and improve its economic values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]