Ipomoea batatas L. Extract Reduces Food Intake, Fasting Blood Glucose Levels and Body Weight

Aim: Obesity is a global epidemic and increased awareness of the association between chronic disease and excess body weight has motivated consumers to seek weight loss and management aids that are safe and effective. Ipomoea batatas L. (Sweet potato) is among the most nutritious subtropical and tropical vegetables, it is believed to contain substances that can help maintain body weight without side effects. It is also used in traditional medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of the aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas L. (IB) on food intake, fasting blood glucose and body weight in male wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty four in-bred male wistar rats weighing 170g-180g were used for this study. The potato tubers were chopped into small pieces and homogenized in distilled water for 30seconds. Homogenate was filtered through muslin cloth into centrifuge tubes and then centrifuged at 120rpm for 20 minutes. The residue was evaporated to dryness; the dried extract was reconstituted in freshly prepared normal saline for administration to test animals. The animals were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as the control and was fed with 0.3ml of normal saline; Group 2-4 was fed with IB extract at 100, 200 and 300mg/kg body weight respectively.

Results: The results showed that in the extract-treated groups, the food intake, blood glucose level and body weight were significantly reduced at p<0.05 when compared with the control group.

Conclusion: Consumption of Ipomoea batatas L. caused a reduction in food intake probably by increasing satiety and reduction in weight gain by using up the body’s reserve of fat as a result of the low blood glucose.