Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 8 (10): 1631-1635, 2009 ISSN 1680-5194 © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009 1631 Investigation of the Effect of Solanum incanum on Postprandial Blood Glucose Concentration of Normoglycemic Nigerians V. Uchenna Okolie , E. Chinwe Okeke , O. Ijeoma Ehiemere and O. Pauline Ezenduka 1 2 1 1 Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campu, Nigeria 1 Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria 2 Abstract: The effect of a Nigerian vegetable plant, Solanum incanum on postprandial blood glucose levels of normoglycemic Nigerians was investigated. Proximate analysis indicated that this vegetable contained significant amount of fiber, which is a Non-soluble Polysaccharide (NSP). The effect of the vegetable was compared with those of other indigenous vegetables also taken by diabetic patients, Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium. A-50 g glucose was used for standard glucose tolerance test of each subject. The values were used to compare other test results. The blood glucose concentration of the subjects was determined (post absorptively) using Accu-chek active glucometer. The vegetables (50 g each) were processed according to the methods used by the patients; squeeze-wash-drink and chew-raw. They were administered to the different groups of subjects who also served as their own controls (n 8, Solanum; n 8, Vernonia; n 8, Gongronema) on separate days in randomized order. Blood glucose levels were checked at fasting (0 min) and postprandially at 30 min intervals for 2 h. Compared with other vegetables, Solanum elicited significant reductions (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels at most postprandial time points and for Area- under-curve (AUC) values. AUC reductions; Solanum, 18%; Vernonia, 15%; Gongronema, 13%). The bioactive antioxidant substances that occur naturally in stems, roots and leaves of African plants may possess insulin - like effect. The rich NSP content of Solanum incanum is also likely to be a reducing factor. Key words: Type 2 diabetes, dietary practices, dietary fiber, nutrition education INTRODUCTION In recent decades, incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus {NIDDM}) has increased to epidemic proportions in several traditional populations. On a global scale too, its rapidly increasing prevalence is a significant cause for concern (Lefebvre, 2005). The conventional medical approach of simply using insulin and oral drugs to control diabetes mellitus is inadequate, boring and lack compliance, thus, the patient’s exposure to long term complications remains a risk. Some wild herbs and spices have been shown to be most effective, relatively non-toxic and have substantial scientific documentation to attest to their efficacy in diabetes management (Okeke, 1998). In many developing countries, larger parts of the population rely heavily on traditional medicinal plants to tests, performed at specific intervals (one week) to track meet their primary health care needs and also to manage their diabetes mellitus. This is due to their perceived effectiveness, minimal side effects in clinical experience and relatively low cost. Some indigenous vegetables, namely; Solanum incanum (anara), Vernonia amygdalina (onugbu) and Gongronema latifolium (utazi) were identified as alternative treatments for diabetes by diabetic patients attending University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla. These patients believed that the bitterness of these vegetables would neutralize high blood sugar levels. Given the preponderance, acceptability and affordability of these vegetables, Solanum incanum was targeted for investigation, to ascertain and document its therapeutic efficacy and otherwise in the treatment of NIDDM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects and ethical approval: This study was a clinical work comprising twenty-four subjects. Twelve men and twelve women were divided into three groups of eight (8). These subjects served as their own control. Purposive sampling method was used to select only those who satisfied the pre-determined inclusion criteria which included individuals (men and women) who were normoglycemic (fasting blood sugar levels within 70- 125 mg/dL or 3.9-6.9 mmol/L) after four blood glucose glucose levels over time. The principle of randomization was highly observed in assigning the subjects to their experimental conditions; the ballot method was used. The subjects were recruited after thorough explanation of the details of the study protocol and their voluntary consent was obtained. The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Research Ethics Committee approved the study. Preparation and processing of the vegetables: Freshly picked Solanum leaves were bought from a local market