Effects of age and food processing of sapodilla leaves for botanical beverage application

Botanical beverages are the latest trend in the health drink industry. Natural plant extracts bring many health benefits. The objective of this research was to investigate changes in the biological activity of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) leaf powder production and extraction for functional food applications. The first investigation determined the effect of different leaf ages. The leaves were dried using a hot air oven. After leaf powder extraction, phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and antihyperglycemic activities were monitored. Optimal condition for sapodilla leaf powder production was drying mature leaves at 55 degrees C, giving total phenolic content (TPC) at 36.10 mg GAE/g extract and IC50 values of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase 0.054 and 0.001 mg/mL, respectively. Extraction of sapodilla leaf powder using 50% acetone solvent gave TPC 260.54 mg GAE/g extract and IC50 of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase 0.004 and 0.00 mg/mL, respectively with glucose uptake into HepG2 cells increased from 290% to 710%. Using sapodilla leaves to make botanical beverages provided antioxidant benefits and inhibited digestion enzymes.