Beverages are important in the diet because they help humans stay hydrated. However, they are implicated in the development of metabolic diseases due to their variable sugar content. A study was therefore conducted to develop and evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties of a drink made from tamarind, turmeric and ginger, given the nutritional potential of these foods. For this, turmeric and ginger were added to tamarind in a ratio of 10%. The drinks were fermented spontaneously for 36 hours. The analyses were on pH, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity according to DPPH determination. These beverages were then administered to healthy 2-month-old rabbits to assess their impact on blood sugar levels. Results revealed that beverages pH remained acidic and below 3 during fermentation. The combination of tamarind (90%), turmeric (5%), and ginger (5%) increased polyphenol content from 1.498 to 1.514 mg GAE/g. Fermented tamarind-turmeric and tamarind-turmeric-ginger drinks DPPH inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 2.14 and 2.23 µg/ml respectively, revealing respective anti-radical powers of 37.74 and 44.84 µmol of reduced DPPH. Combination of tamarind (90%), turmeric (5%), and ginger (5%) also led to a decrease in blood sugar levels 2.5 hours after glucose induction from 126.6±15.30 to 112.8±5.63 (mg/dL) and from 121±9.72 to 112.6±6.65 (mg/dL), respectively. The anti-hyperglycemia test revealed a decrease in blood glucose levels for all beverages. Beverages made from tamarind, turmeric, and ginger have good antioxidant properties that promote lower blood sugar levels, contributing to fight against metabolic diseases.

Plant-based alcoholic mixtures are widely appreciated by the Ivorian population due to their low cost. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of extractible contained in one of these mixtures («Plaie de ventre») sold for its health claims in the commune of Yopougon (Côte d’Ivoire). A consumption survey was carried out on these alcoholic mixtures using a questionnaire. Subsequently, an acute toxicity study was carried out on the consumers’ favorite drink by administering the dry extractible from this mixture to three batches of rats at doses of 500, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg bw. Animals were observed for 14 days for clinical signs of intoxication, and hematological and biochemical parameters were assayed. The results of this study revealed that mixture «Plaie de ventre» was the drink preferred by consumers (53.33%). Moreover, administration of the extractible from this mixture revealed no behavioral changes in the rats, and estimated LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg bw. In addition, evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in white blood cell count, blood platelet count, and serum ASAT and ALAT levels. Thus, extractible from mixture «Plaie de ventre» constitute a health risk for consumers.

Medicinal plants are widely used in Africa, especially in rural areas, to meet primary health care needs. Among them Massularia acuminata (Rubiaceae) is mainly used for its aphrodisiac properties.In order to verify its acute toxicity, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight (bw) of the ethanolic extract of the stems of this plant was administered to a group of 10 female rats. The control group, also consisting of 10 female rats, received only distilled water. During the 14 days observation, all clinical signs and deaths were reported. At the end of the study, the LD50, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, and hepatic and renal histological examination were performed.The results showed that the administration of the ethanolic extract of the stems of Massularia acuminata did not modify the behavior of the rats and the estimated LD50 was higher than 5000 mg/kg bw. The evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters revealed a significant decrease (p <0.05) in the level of white blood cells and platelets, and a significant increase (p <0.05) in creatinine and total cholesterol. As for the histological study, apart from some hepatic apoptosis, the result did not show any hepatic and renal lesions.This study showed that the ethanolic extract of the stems of Massularia acuminata could exhibit hematotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity when higher doses were used.