Proximate Composition and Antihtperglycaemic Effects of Selected Plant Products

Abstract

The proximate, dietary fibre, mineral and antinutrient compositions of Gongronema latifolium (leaves), Gymnema sylvestre (leaves), Corchorus olitorius (leaves) and Bulchozia coriceae (seeds) were evaluated. Diabetes was induced in selected albino rats while the control groups were normal. Both groups were fed diets containing different levels of each plant product (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0% respectively) for twenty-eight days. Effects of plant products on blood glucose, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium levels of experimental animals were evaluated. The crude protein, fat, dietary fibre and carbohydrate composition of the four plant products were significantly (p