Health
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.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Professor Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist and disease control expert, highlighted the critical role of early laboratory diagnosis in preventing infectious diseases from spiraling into epidemics in Nigeria. He emphasized that accurate and timely community reporting and surveillance are the foundations upon which effective diagnosis relies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Tomori explained that many infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, exhibit similar symptoms, such as fever and body aches. Early detection is essential to preventing misdiagnosis and initiating a proper response. Without swift confirmation, diseases like yellow fever might be mistaken for malaria, leading to uncontrolled outbreaks. He pointed out that surveillance systems must be robust, with communities actively reporting cases as the first step in controlling disease spread.
When asked about the challenges faced in diagnosing diseases in Nigeria, Tomori addressed the issue of misallocated resources. He dismissed the idea that Nigeria is “resource-limited,” stating that resources are often wasted on unnecessary expenditures, such as lavish government processes, rather than prioritizing health and disease control. He called for a reordering of national priorities, advocating for better funding for disease surveillance and laboratory facilities.
Tomori also discussed how delays and incorrect diagnoses contribute significantly to the rapid spread of diseases. He cited the widespread misdiagnosis of typhoid as a prime example, noting that incorrect treatments often lead to ineffective responses and continued disease transmission.
On the role of technology, Tomori expressed optimism about the improvements in diagnostic methods, which have drastically reduced testing times. New advancements in genomics, he explained, have made laboratory tests more accurate and faster, significantly enhancing the ability to respond to outbreaks before they escalate.
Reflecting on successful cases, he pointed to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria as an example of how early detection and swift isolation helped contain the disease. The country managed to stop the spread of Ebola, while West Africa, without timely intervention, saw a devastating epidemic.
To strengthen Nigeria’s diagnostic systems and prevent future epidemics, Tomori suggested establishing a well-coordinated national laboratory network. This would ensure that even the most remote areas of the country have access to proper diagnostic services and can effectively contribute to the early detection and control of infectious diseases.
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, has reassured residents of Jigawa State that polio immunization is safe, firmly debunking long-held misconceptions suggesting the vaccine causes infertility.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at the launch of a polio vaccination campaign in Jiba village, Dutse LGA—an area historically known for rejecting immunization—the monarch emphasized the importance of dispelling falsehoods surrounding the initiative. He stressed that the vaccine poses no harm and cited the example of his late father, Emir Muhammad Sanusi, who immunized his own children to build public trust.
He further explained that immunized women are often healthier and more capable of bearing children, contradicting widespread fertility myths.
Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, Director of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted the campaign’s goal to vaccinate two million children under five by month-end. He noted the urgency of boosting immunity amid lingering strains of the virus, despite Nigeria’s polio-free certification in 2013.
UNICEF’s representative, Dr. Lukman, also warned of recent resurgences, revealing that 18 new cases were reported in 2025 across nine states, including two in Jigawa. He emphasized the need to close vaccination gaps to prevent further outbreaks.
Despite the availability of anti-malaria medications and preventive measures, many Nigerians continue to suffer from recurring malaria attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current treatments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In 2023, Nigeria accounted for a staggering 27% of global malaria-related deaths, underscoring the country’s ongoing battle with the disease. This alarming statistic highlights the persistent nature of malaria in Nigeria, despite efforts to combat it through the distribution of drugs and public health initiatives.
On this World Malaria Day, experts are focusing on why malaria remains so widespread, even as treatments and preventive measures are accessible. The issue of treatment resistance, the prevalence of fake anti-malaria drugs in circulation, and inadequate health infrastructure are some of the factors contributing to the crisis.
During a special episode of Nigeria Daily, experts discussed how the persistence of malaria challenges the country’s health system and called for stronger measures to ensure the effective treatment and eradication of the disease. The episode further examined the role of both the government and private sectors in tackling malaria and improving public health outcomes.
With malaria continuing to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, experts emphasized the importance of prioritizing comprehensive health strategies to address the root causes of the disease’s persistence.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp