Impact of Consumption of Cowpea Leaves on Blood Glucose

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Intake of foods high in carbohydrates causes a spike in glucose in the blood. Repeated high blood glucose spikes are associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Polyphenols, which are abundant in vegetables, may influence how the body utilises carbohydrates. Cowpea, also referred to as black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) leaves, contain polyphenols and fibre that can help regulate blood glucose. The study will be an acute, single-blind, randomised control trial with a cross-over design involving healthy black participants aged ≥18 years. This clinical trial aims to investigate if consuming cowpea leaves can reduce blood glucose spikes after consuming a meal high in carbohydrates. Participants will be randomised to consume either bread with jam containing freeze-dried cowpea leaves (active intervention) or jam without any freeze-dried powder (control group). Blood glucose will be monitored before the intervention and every 15 minutes after the intervention using a continuous glucose monitor.

Official Title
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Impact of Consumption of Cowpea Leaves on Blood Glucose

Conditions
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Blood Glucose

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Cowpea leaves mixed with Jam
* Other: Jam mixed with green food colour


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged ≥ 18 years Participants from Black, Black British, Caribbean or African ethnic backgrounds,which includes: Caribbean, African, Any other Black, Black British, or Caribbean background Should be able to give informed consent Should be willing to provide GP's contact details Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant or lactating mothers Special dietary requirements such as vegetarians and vegans Participants who are on a specialised diet such as a weight reduction diet Having any chronic illness or taking medication for chronic illness Participants whose blood results indicate illness Participants on mediation for hypertension or hyperlipidaemia Sportsmen or women or vigorous exercise for more than 5 times per week Alcohol (more than 14 units per week) or drug abusers.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Freeze dried cowpea leaves mixed in jam<br>6g of freeze-dried cowpea leaves (equivalent to one portion of vegetables) mixed with apricot jam and spread on bread. | Other: Cowpea leaves mixed with Jam<br>* 6g of freeze-dried cowpea leaves, equivalent to 80g(a portion) of vegetables mixed with Jam and spread on bread<br>|
| Active Comparator: Jam with green food colour<br>Apricot jam mixed with green colouring and spread on bread | Other: Jam mixed with green food colour<br>* Jam with green food colouring spread on bread<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in blood glucose | Blood glucose measured by continous glucose monitor | At baseline (t=0 hours) and 15 minutes interval until (t=3 hours) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in blood pressure | Systolic and diastolic blood pressure by blood pressure monitor | At baseline (t=0 hours) and every 30 minute until (t=3 hours) | 
| Microvascular blood flow | Microvascular blood flow using Laser doppler Imaging with Iontophoresis | At baseline (t=0 hours) and (t=2.5 hours) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Polyphenols, Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, Cowpea, Vegetable