Innovations in sweet potato extracts: unlocking anti-diabetic potential

The therapeutic promise of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in combating type 2 diabetes is the focus of this systematic review, which comprehensively examines the anti-diabetic properties of various sweet potato cultivars. Central to this review is the exploration of key bioactive compounds in sweet potatoes, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and their mechanisms of action against diabetes.
Sweet potatoes, particularly known for their rich polyphenolic content, demonstrate significant hypoglycemic effects. For instance, extracts from the leaves of certain cultivars contain polyphenol concentrations ranging from 7.39 to 14.66 g/100 g dry weight, showcasing potent antioxidant capabilities. These extracts notably reduce blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, attributing to their high phenolic and flavonoid content.
This review details how specific sweet potato extracts influence diabetic biomarkers. For example, the ethanol extract of sweet potato leaves from Aan village induces a linear reduction in blood glucose and malondialdehyde levels, highlighting its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. Furthermore, the administration of these extracts has shown to lower mean cholesterol levels, decrease body weight, and improve insulin activity. The diversity in the anti-diabetic efficacy among different sweet potato types and preparations underscores the complexity of their bioactive profiles. The systematic review provides a foundational database for further research into the development of Ipomoea batatas-based therapeutic products, emphasizing the need for further clinical trials to validate these findings.