Assessment of glycemic index of the unripe green papaya in mice

Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a rich-nutrition fruit include vitamins (A, B and C), carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, proteolytic enzymes, and benzyl isothiocyanate. Papaya contains papain, which helps strengthen the constitution of diabetes patients. Its water-soluble fiber can stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications. Papaya has benefits such as lowering blood lipids and softening blood vessels due to the fruit acids it contains, which is advantageous for patients with diabetes complicated by hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and dyslipidemia. Additionally, the proteolytic enzymes in papaya are beneficial for the digestive system. Unripe green bananas have been found to contain a significant amount of resistant starch, giving them potential as a low glycemic index (GI) food. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of unripe green papaya on blood glucose regulation. The blood glucose values were measured in C57BL/6 mice before and within 120 minutes after consuming 50 mg of glucose and the grated unripe green papaya containing 50 mg of starch was conducted to calculate the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for blood glucose changes post-consumption of glucose and the grated unripe green papaya. The results showed that the average IAUC for the grated unripe green papaya was 11,176.67, while the average IAUC for glucose was 7,666.25. According to the GI calculation formula, GI of the grated unripe green papaya was determined to be 146. Therefore, based on the results of this study, these results will be used as the basis for the development of related blood glucose regulation products of the unripe green papaya (Carica papaya L.) in the future.