Nutritional and Bioactive Potentials of Powdered Leaves of Adansonia digitata L., Corchorus olitorius L., and Bark of Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich.: Effect on GLUT4 Translocation Activity

The consumption of medicinal plants in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly recommended by therapists. The leaves of Adansonia digitata (LAD), Corchorus olitorius (LCO), and the bark of Triumfetta cordifolia (BTC) are parts of the plants commonly consumed as traditional dishes for their nutritional and bioactive potential. However, very few studies have evaluated the effects of the constituents of these plants on GLUT4 translocation. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional and bioactive composition of the powders from the LAD, LCO, and the BTC, as well as their effects on GLUT4 translocation activity. The LAD, LCO, and the BTC were processed into powders after harvest. Proximate composition, energy value, and mineral content were determined from the obtained powders. Bioactive compounds and their profiles, along with GLUT4 translocation activities, were evaluated from the extracts of the powders. It was found that the powders of A. digitata and C. olitorius had the lowest energy values of 257.75 ± 3.98 and 270.68 ± 1.65 Kcal/100g, respectively, and available sugar contents of 37.72 ± 0.45 and 38.24 ± 0.20 g/100g DM. However, only C. olitorius exhibited the highest total protein content of 21.60 ± 0.10 g/100g DM, with macroelement contents being the highest at 2200.00 ± 4.00; 1957.41 ± 3.89; and 580.00 ± 1.45 mg/100g DM for calcium, potassium, and magnesium, respectively. The powder of T. cordifolia had the highest total flavonoids of 4.90 ± 0.05 µg QE/g DM. Flavonoids such as isoquercetin and quercetin have effects on GLUT4 translocation from the extracts of the powders of A. digitata and C. olitorius of 90.61 and 92.52%Insulin, respectively. These activities are closely dependent on calcium content. The powder of C. olitorius demonstrates the best nutritional and bioactive potential and may be recommended for the management of T2D patients.