Abstract:
The glycaemic index (GI) is a measure of the food’s power to raise blood glucose (β-glucose)
concentration after a meal. Low-GI carbohydrates lower the risk of adverse health outcomes,
including type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease by causing a lower and slower rise
in blood glucose and insulin levels. The main objective of this prospective study was to
determine glycaemic indices of cane sugar that is incorporated with Fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Ginger (Zingiber
officinale), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) extracts of equal ratios; in aim to suppress glycaemic impact.
The GI value for sugar incorporated with selected plant food extracts was determined using
standardized methodology in 12 healthy volunteers. Volunteers randomly underwent 2 sets of
food challenges involving glucose (reference) and sugar incorporated with selected plant food
extracts (test food), both providing 50 g available carbohydrates. Serum glucose was monitored
at various time-points i.e., at 0 (fasting), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after ingestion and
GI values were calculated by dividing the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for the tested
food by that for the standard food (IAUCS). Biochemical variables were measured using
enzymatic colorimetric method (GOD/POD/PAP). MS Excel and the statistical program Minitab
17 were used to analyze the data. The mean GI value (95% CI) for sugar was 49±8. GI values
was not significantly related to subject characteristics such as sex and age. The results of the
study indicated that sugar product incorporated with selected plant food extracts; has a
significantly (p<0.05) lower GI than normal cane sugar (GI=65). This trial is registered with the
Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura as
21/18.
