Joseph Asante Obeng
University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Title: The anti-diabetic potential of plantain peels (musa paradisiaca); for the management of diabetes among the rural inhabitants in offinso community, ghana
Biography
Biography: Joseph Asante Obeng
Abstract
Problem statement: Prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among the Ghanaian adult population is increasing. Interestingly, rural inhabitants tend to have lower prevalence and severity of T2D as compared to urban dwellers even though they (rural inhabitants) do not have access to proper medical services. The fall in prevalence and severity of T2D among the rural inhabitants is attributed to the use of unripe plantain peels (UPP) for T2D management. It is a routine practice by rural inhabitants to boil UPP, decant the boiled water and drink it when cooled. The purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical constituents of UPP and their medicinal effect on the management of T2D. Methodology: A qualitative case study was utilized on rural inhabitants who were known diabetes who volunteered to participate in the research. A digital glucometer was used for the estimation of glucose of participants before, during and after consumption of UPP decant and a standard scientific techniques were utilised to investigate the chemical constituents of UPP. Findings: The UPP decant upon investigation contained considerable amount of nutrients such as: Ca, K, Na, P and metals such as: Mg, Zn, Cu and Pb. Zinc found in higher concentration plays a vital role in the regulation of insulin production by the islets of Langerhans and glucose utilization by adipocytes and muscles. Magnesium another constituent found in higher concentration is a cofactor of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase and it also alters glucose transport across cell membranes. Conclusion: The research studies accentuate the medicinal potentials of UPP in the management of T2D. However, it is predictive that, prolong consumption of UPP decant may pose grave health problems in the long term since UPP contains considerable concentrations of lead (Pb) and cupper (Cu). Recommendation: More studies are encouraged to aid in the conversion of UPP into more useful and safe medicinal products.