Syzygium cumini is more effective in preventing the increase of erythrocytic ADA activity than phenolic compounds under hyperglycemic conditions in vitro

Effect of Syzygium cumini and Bauhinia forficata aqueous-leaf extracts on oxidative and mitochondrial parameters in vitro

Aqueous-leaf extract of Syzygium cumini and Bauhinia forficata are traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes and cancer, especially in South America, Africa, and Asia. In this study, we analyzed the effects of these extracts on oxidative and mitochondrial parameters in vitro, as well as their protective activities against toxic agents. Phytochemical screenings of the extracts were carried out by HPLC analysis. The in vitro antioxidant capacities were compared by DPPH radical scavenging and Fe(2+) chelating activities. Mitochondrial parameters observed were swelling, lipid peroxidation and dehydrogenase activity. The major chemical constituent of S. cumini was rutin. In B. forficata were predominant quercetin and gallic acid. S. cumini reduced DPPH radical more than B. forficata, and showed iron chelating activity at all tested concentrations, while B. forficata had not similar property. In mitochondria, high concentrations of B. forficata alone induced a decrease in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, but low concentrations of this extract prevented the effect induced by Fe(2+)+H2O2. This was also observed with high concentrations of S. cumini. Both extracts partially prevented the lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(2+)/citrate. S. cumini was effective against mitochondrial swelling induced by Ca(2+), while B. forficata alone induced swelling more than Ca(2+). This study suggests that leaf extract of S. cumini might represent a useful therapeutic for the treatment of diseases related with mitochondrial dysfunctions. On the other hand, the consumption of B. forficata should be avoided because mitochondrial damages were observed, and this possibly may pose risk to human health.

Antidiabetic potential of some less commonly used plants in traditional medicinal systems of India and Nigeria

The incidence of diabetes mellitus continue to rise annually all over the world with India and Nigeria having recorded cases of 65.1 and 3.9 million respectively in 2013 and expected to increase by a large amount in 2035. Hyperglycemia is a pre-condition for the development of diabetic complications and is accompanied by an increase in the production of free radicals. The present available treatment option for diabetes like sulfonylurea, metformin and alpha-glucosidase are restricted by their limited actions, secondary failure rates, and side-effects; and unaffordable to the majority of the population. Hence, the need to screen for more medicinal plants with antidiabetic ability due to the fact that plants are; biodegradable, safe and cheap with fewer side-effects. In this review article, we have presented the current status of diabetes in India and Nigeria and the role of some less commonly used medicinal plants from both countries that have antidiabetic potential.