Chemical Composition and Post Prandial Glycemic Effects of Some Plant Gums

Gums from betelnut (Areca catachu), drumstick (Moringa olifera Lam), and acacia (Acacia arabica) were analyzed for various chemical constituents. Analysis revealed high levels of total ash, crude fibre, calcium, iron, moderate levels of phosphorus, low levels of protein and lipid contents. Gums contained high levels of certain antinutrients namely polyphenols and saponins and different fibres viz., acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, and pectin. The inclusion of gums significantly lowered the post prandial rise in plasma glucose levels during 2 h of study period in non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. The gums showed low values of glycemic index.