Title:
Evaluation of the nutritional, antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of Aloe Saponaria flowers

Authors:
Charles TOUWANG, Aimé Christian NDIH, Bienvenu LESSE MODO, Cameroon

Abstract:

Aloe saponaria, a plant of the Aloeaceae family, is widespread in the Far North of Cameroon. The flowers of this plant are consumed as leafy vegetables by local populations in the Mindif district. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional and antioxidant potential of Aloe saponaria flowers harvested in the Mindif locality, and to study its short-term hypoglycemic effect on Wistar albino rats. The selected parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Results showed ash content 4.45%; total protein 7.87%; total soluble sugars 8.24% and reducing soluble sugars 15.68%; provitamins (carotenoids) also showed high values with α-carotene (84.26mg/100g), β-carotene (89.45mg/100g), lutein (78.11mg/100g) and lycopene (25.74mg/100)). Characterization revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins and an absence of terpenoids, with polyphenols estimated at 484.52mgEAG/100gMS, flavonoids at 239.44mgEAG/100 g MS, and tannins at 79.1mgEAG/100gMS as the dominant compounds. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity capable of scavenging the free radical DPPH at 312.46mgET/100gMS, ABTS at 325.74mgET/100 g MS, and ferric iron reduction to ferrous iron (FRAP) at 225.36/100gMS. The hypoglycemic effect of the extract showed increasing blood glucose reduction values from 18.8 to 30.98% for the 500mg extract/kgp dose, and a decreasing reduction rate (8.04-1.45%) over time for the 100mg extract/kgp dose. The extract has a dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect. The antioxidant potential highlighted in this study would explain the traditional use of Aloe saponaria in the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses, as noted by the local population. However, if Aloe saponaria flowers are to be used in the fight against hyperglycemia, its full anti-diabetic activity in vivo (animals and humans), toxicity, stability and preservation of the active ingredient over time need to be studied.

 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2025.1301