Star apple is a tropical tree that's famous for its sweet and delicious fruit but there's so much more to this plant than just that. It is also used for its pharmacological activities, which include lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, neutralizing free radicals, killing bacteria, and promoting wound healing. Its use as an alternative remedy for diabetes is also widespread. However, there are few studies that provide the basis for this application.
In this study, which appeared in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the researchers collected extracts from the bark of star apple and tested their antidiabetic activity in mice, which were administered with alloxan to induce diabetes. In the same mice, the authors also assessed alpha-glucosidase activity as well as glucose absorption and uptake to determine the underlying mechanism behind this activity. It was observed that blood sugar levels of mice treated with star apple peaked at 30 minutes before it started to decrease significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, the researchers also observed that the potential mechanisms of action involve increased glucose uptake by the muscles and the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates to glucose. However, the extracts did not inhibit glucose absorption.
The authors of the study also determined the in vitro antioxidant properties of star apple extracts. This property is important for diabetes patients since high glucose levels stimulate the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that contribute to the pathology of this disease. They observed that the extracts have potent free radical scavenging activity, proving its antioxidant properties which have been previously noted.
To provide further evidence that star apple really has these pharmacological activities, the researchers determined the bioactive compounds present in the extracts. A large number of phenolic substances, which are known antioxidants, were identified in the star apple. The presence of these compounds is greatly beneficial for the long-term treatment of diabetes.
Based on the results of the study, the researchers concluded that star apple has potential use as a natural remedy for diabetes since it exhibits potent antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. These activities are due to the presence of bioactive compounds, namely phenolic substances. Moreover, they were also able to come up with a potential mechanism of action which involves increased glucose uptake by the muscles and the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase. (Related: 10 Exotic fruits and their amazing health benefits.)
Other health benefits of star apple
There are many other reasons why you should start eating star apple. This five-star fruit is rich in nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorous, which can be attributed for the following health benefits:
- Improving digestive health -- Star apple is rich in fibers that are important for regulating bowel movement, especially in constipated patients. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer and other digestive problems.
- Preventing iron deficiency anemia -- Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. People who are deficient in this mineral experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Fortunately, eating star apple can provide the necessary iron to remedy this condition.
- Enhancing bone strength -- This fruit is rich in calcium and phosphorous which are needed by the bones to maintain their integrity. By increasing the consumption of these minerals, the risk of bone diseases is also reduced.
For more articles about natural remedies for diabetes, visit DiabetesCure.news.
Sources include:
BMCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com
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