Abstract

The search for safer and more nutritious natural sweeteners as alternatives to commercial sweeteners, which are implicated in obesity and diabetes mellitus, has led to the utilization of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) pulp, which is rich in dietary fibers, soluble sugars, and vitamins. Mango peels, containing antioxidants, fiber, and nutraceuticals, were also used. The pulp and mango peels were blended and used to determine the Incremental Area Under the Curve (IAUC) of the natural sweetener compared to synthetic sweeteners. An aqueous extraction of the viable blend, which had a low glycemic index, was administered to alloxan-induced Wistar rats, along with characterization of soluble sugars. The natural sweetener enhanced the reduction of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), while the commercial sweetener revealed a higher concentration of LDL in the serum of the rats (P > 0.05). Exposure to saccharin increased the levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the rats, which was significantly different (P > 0.05) compared to the natural sweetener. The cumulative reduction of LDL, SOD levels, and serum glucose level (6.72 mMol/L) supports the optimal valorization of the African locust bean pulp-mango peel blend as an alternative sweetener for managing diabetes mellitus.

Key words: African locust beans pulp, mango peel, diabetes mellitus, glycemic index and soluble sugars.