Effect of bitter gourd and spent turmeric on glycoconjugate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In vitro antidiabetic effects of selected fruits and vegetables against glycosidase and aldose reductase

In vitro antidiabetic effect of fruits and vegetables with reports as folk remedies were investigated. The antidiabetic effects were evaluated by comparing the inhibitory properties of α‐glycosidase, aldose reductase, and antioxidant activity. The results indicated that lychee extract exhibited the best dose‐dependent inhibitory activity against α‐glycosidase with IC₅₀ of 10.4 mg/mL, and lemon peel extract exhibited aldose reductase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value at 3.63 mg/mL. Besides, the result also showed that the inhibitory effects of blueberry and plum against α‐glycosidase were strong among the fruits samples. Bitter gourd and eggplant demonstrated significant inhibitory potential against aldose reductase, with IC₅₀ values at 8.55 mg/mL and 8.06 mg/mL, respectively. The result from correlation analysis part showed that the antioxidant activities of selected fruits and vegetables were found related to their health beneficial effects, as there was positive correlations between total flavonoids content (TFC) and aldose reductase inhibitory activity (r² = 0.556).

Understanding and beliefs of diabetes in the UK Bangladeshi population

AIMS

To examine the understanding and beliefs of people with diabetes from the Bangladeshi community living in the UK.

METHODS

Structured interviews were carried out with 14 people invited to a peer educational programme. All interviews were on a one-to-one basis and were in Sylheti or in English. Interviews were transcribed and analysed by two independent researchers.

RESULTS

The majority of participants did not know what caused diabetes. Knowledge of the management of diabetes was linked to controlling sugar intake and a number of participants reported eating bitter foods such as bitter gourd to control their diabetes. There was little access to information as many participants did not speak English and did not have a Bengali-speaking doctor. The majority of participants felt that education classes should teach them what the doctor thought was important and that these classes would best be advertised by word of mouth. Therefore, participants were quite passive about their own self management and relied very strongly on the doctor's views and recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study can be used to help health professionals working with Bangladeshi people. There is a need for improved information for Bangladeshi people and much of this information might need to come from health professionals. In addition, there is a need for increased awareness by health professionals of practices used by Bangladeshi people, such as eating bitter gourd (which may enhance the effects of rosiglitazone), and the influence these practices could have on the individual's diabetes management.