Abstract:
Introduction: Non communicable diseases are becoming an alarming threat to
humans at present. The high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Asia is a challenge
to health care professionals. With numerous limitations attributed to existing
allopathic drugs, more attention is being paid to introduce functional foods which
exert beneficial health effects. A few studies were conducted with the aim of
identifying suitable functional foods that can be popularized among the
community. The hypoglycaemic effects of the hot water extract of dried flowers
of Aegle marmelos and the culinary mushrooms; American oyster (Pleurotus
ostreatus) and abalone (P. cystidiosus) in Type II diabetic patients on diet control
were studied.
Methodology: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medical Sciences,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Following ethical clearance, ninety,
volunteer patients were recruited (n=30/group). A glucose challenge test was
performed on Day 1 and the concentration of serum glucose and insulin were
measured. Same procedure was repeated on a subsequent day where patients
received a single dose of respective extracts ½h prior to glucose and serum
glucose and insulin were measured. The extracts were given daily for 2 weeks and
liver enzymes and creatinine levels were measured.
Results: Consumption of A. marmelos, P. autreatus and P. cystidiosus extracts
signifcantly reduced (p<0.05) the concentrations of fasting as well as 2h serum
glucose in the teste subjects. The serum insulin concnetrations were signifcantly
increased (p<0.05) following treatment. The serum concentrations of liver
enzymes and creatinine were not affected.
Discussion: The drink of A. marmelos is a very popular beverage in Sri Lanka.
The findings validadte its use as a functional food which can be safely consumed
daily. Similarly the study confirms that the American oyster and abalone
mushrooms which are consumed fresh as well as dried, are capable of improving
glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.