Antihyperglycemic and antilipidperoxidative effects of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre flowers in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Pongamia pinnata seed extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle loaded nanogel for estimation of their antipsoriatic properties

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O-H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116 nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72 h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Multireceptor Analysis for Evaluating the Antidiabetic Efficacy of Karanjin: A Computational Approach

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus, notably type 2, is a rising global health challenge, prompting the need for effective management strategies. Common medications such as metformin, insulin, repaglinide and sitagliptin can induce side effects like gastrointestinal disturbances, hypoglycemia, weight gain and specific organ risks. Plant-derived therapies like Karanjin from Pongamia pinnata present promising alternatives due to their historical use, holistic health benefits and potentially fewer adverse effects. This study employs in silico analysis to explore Karanjin's interactions with diabetes-associated receptors, aiming to unveil its therapeutic potential while addressing the limitations and side effects associated with conventional medications.

METHODOLOGY

The research encompassed the selection of proteins from the Protein Data Bank (PDB), followed by structural refinement processes and optimization. Ligands such as Karanjin and standard drugs were retrieved from PubChem, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their ADMET profiling and pharmacokinetic properties. Protein-ligand interactions were evaluated through molecular docking using AutoDockTools 1.5.7, followed by the analysis of structural stability using coarse-grained simulations with CABS Flex 2.0. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed using Desmond 7.2 and the OPLS4 force field to explore how Karanjin interacts with proteins over 100 nanoseconds, focusing on the dynamics and structural stability.

RESULTS

Karanjin, a phytochemical from Pongamia pinnata, shows superior drug candidate potential compared to common medications, offering advantages in efficacy and reduced side effects. It adheres to drug-likeness criteria and exhibits optimal ADMET properties, including moderate solubility, high gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier penetration. Molecular docking revealed Karanjin's highest binding energy against receptor 3L2M (Pig pancreatic alpha-amylase) at -9.1 kcal/mol, indicating strong efficacy potential. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable ligand-protein complexes with minor fluctuations in RMSD and RMSF, suggesting robust interactions with receptors 3L2M.

CONCLUSION

Karanjin demonstrates potential in pharmaceutical expansion for treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes, as supported by computational analysis. Prospects for Karanjin in pharmaceutical development include structural modifications for enhanced efficacy and safety. Nanoencapsulation may improve bioavailability and targeted delivery to pancreatic cells, while combination therapies could optimize treatment outcomes in diabetes management. Clinical trials and experimental studies are crucial to validate its potential as a novel therapeutic agent.

Can Polyherbal Medicine be used for the Treatment of Diabetes? - A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic medical condition, has attained a global pandemic status over the last few decades affecting millions of people. Despite a variety of synthetic drugs available in the market, the use of herbal medicines for managing diabetes is gaining importance because of being comparatively safer. This article reviews the result of a substantial literature search on polyherbal formulations (PHFs) developed and evaluated with potential for DM. The accumulated data in the literature allowed us to enlist 76PHFs consisting of different parts of 147 plant species belonging to 58 botanical families. The documented plant species are laden with bioactive components with anti-diabetic properties and thus draw attention. The most favoured ingredient for PHFs was leaves of Gymnema sylvestre and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum used in 27 and 22 formulations, respectively. Apart from herbs, shilajit (exudates from high mountain rocks) formed an important component of 9 PHFs, whereas calcined Mytilus margaritiferus and goat pancreas were used in Dolabi, the most commonly used tablet form of PHF in Indian markets. The healing properties of PHFs against diabetes have been examined in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. However, the mechanism(s) of action of PHFs are still unclear and considered the pitfalls inherent in understanding the benefits of PHFs. From the information available based on experimental systems, it could be concluded that plant-derived medicines will have a considerable role to play in the control of diabetes provided the challenges related to their bioavailability, bioefficacy, optimal dose, lack of characterization, ambiguous mechanism of action, and clinical efficiency are addressed.

Antidiabetic Phytochemicals From Medicinal Plants: Prospective Candidates for New Drug Discovery and Development

Diabetes, a chronic physiological dysfunction affecting people of different age groups and severely impairs the harmony of peoples' normal life worldwide. Despite the availability of insulin preparations and several synthetic oral antidiabetic drugs, there is a crucial need for the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic drugs because of the development of resistance and side effects of those drugs in long-term use. On the contrary, plants or herbal sources are getting popular day by day to the scientists, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies all over the world to search for potential bioactive compound(s) for the discovery and development of targeted novel antidiabetic drugs that may control diabetes with the least unwanted effects of conventional antidiabetic drugs. In this review, we have presented the prospective candidates comprised of either isolated phytochemical(s) and/or extract(s) containing bioactive phytoconstituents which have been reported in several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies possessing noteworthy antidiabetic potential. The mode of actions, attributed to antidiabetic activities of the reported phytochemicals and/or plant extracts have also been described to focus on the prospective phytochemicals and phytosources for further studies in the discovery and development of novel antidiabetic therapeutics.

Facile green synthesis of ZnO–CuO nanocomposites using areca catechu leaves and their in vitro antidiabetic and cytotoxicity studies

The fabrication and diverse applications of mixed oxides have received immense interest due to numerous prospects for better functional performance in tuning their properties compared to the basic metal oxides. Herein, we report synthesis of ZnO-CuO nanocomposites (NCs) using a simple and green route solution combustion method. The as-prepared ZnO-CuO NCs have been characterised through x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results revealed that as-prepared ZnO-CuO NCs have spherical and rod-shaped structures with an average size between 10 and 30 nm. Further, ZnO-CuO NCs were tested for antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Amylase inhibition and MTT assays were carried out with different concentrations of NCs. The biological results depicted that the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited significant cytotoxic effects with IC50 value of 13.29 μg mg−1. These observations further showed that the newly synthesised ZnO–CuO NCs are interesting and promising nanomaterials in pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

Identification and characterization of anti-diabetic principle in Senna alata (Linn.) flower using alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The age-long folkloric use of Senna alata flower (SAF) was recently substantiated with scientific evidence. However, the study did not account for the anti-diabetic principle(s) in SAF.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to identify and characterize the bioactive principle(s) responsible for the anti-diabetic activity in SAF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-one male Wistar rats were used for the two phases of this study. In phase 1, forty-two of these were allotted into six groups (A-F) of seven rats each. Animals in group A received distilled water while those in groups B-F were made diabetic by treatment with 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of alloxan. Group B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D and E were treated each with 75 mg/kg b.w. of ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of SAF, while F received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. In the second phase, forty-nine rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) of seven rats each. Group A received distilled water. Animals in Groups B-G were also made diabetic by alloxan treatment. B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D, E and F were treated with 5.77, 25.96, 15.40, 27.87 mg/kg b.w (equivalent dose of 75 mg/kg b.w.) of sub-fractions obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of SAF respectively whereas G received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, albumin, globulin, liver glycogen, urine ketone, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities and cardiac function indices were evaluated using standard methods. Compounds D, E and F isolated from ethyl acetate sub-fraction B were evaluated for in vitro anti-diabetic activity. The structure of the anti-diabetic compound was identified using FTIR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HCOSY, HSQC and HMBC. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Alloxan treatment increased the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, urine ketone and cardiac function indices and reduced the levels of globulin, albumin, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, liver glycogen, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Ethyl acetate fraction and sub-fraction B reversed the level and/or activities of these biochemical indices to levels and/or activities that compared favourably with the distilled water treated non-diabetic animals. Of the three compounds (D, E and F) that were obtained from the sub-fraction B, compound E which was Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) produced the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

Emodin is one of the bioactive constituents present in Senna alata flower.

In Vitro Synergy of Pongamia pinnata Extract in Combination with Antibiotics for Inhibiting and Killing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Aims: Currently, we face the serious problem of multiple drug-resistant pathogens. The development of new antimicrobial agents is very costly and time-consuming. Therefore, the use of medicinal plants as a source of alternative antibiotics or for enhancing antibiotic effectiveness is important. Methods: The antibacterial effects of aqueous extracts of the seed coat of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre in combination with several antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were tested by broth dilution, checkerboard, and time-kill methods. Results: For the combinations of P. pinnata with ampicillin, meropenem, cefazolin, cefotaxime, cefpirome, and cefuroxime, 70% to 100% were synergistic, with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of < 0.5. For the time-kill method with 0.5× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of P. pinnata in combination with 8, 4, 2, and 1 µg mL⁻¹ of the various antibiotics, almost all of the combinations showed synergistic effects, even with the lowest concentrations of P. pinnata, except for aztreonam. No antagonistic effect was observed for these combinations. Conclusions: Based on these findings, aqueous seed coat extracts of P. pinnata have good potential for the design of new antimicrobial agents.

Polyphenolic enriched extract of Cassia glauca Lamk, improves streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes linked with partial insulin resistance in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditionally Cassia glauca (CG) has been used to treat diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was undertaken to evaluate anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity of polyphenolic enriched extract of CG in standardized streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of ethanol (CGE) and water (CGW) extracts of CG (200 and 400mg/kg) treatment were evaluated in STZ (50mg/kg, iv) induced diabetic rats. On 10^th day, oral glucose tolerance test and degree of insulin resistance was calculated. On 13^th day, insulin tolerance test was performed to know the peripheral utilization of glucose. On 15^th day, blood glucose, lipid profiles and endogenous antioxidant levels were estimated. In addition, the effects on oral glucose/sucrose tolerance test in normal rats. Further, HPLC fingerprinting profile of CGE and simultaneous quantification of biomarkers were carried out.

RESULTS

Supplementation with CGE and CGW significantly reduced STZ-induced deleterious effects and improved glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance. In addition, supplementation also decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidant levels. Furthermore, administration significantly improves sucrose tolerance suggesting that extract possess inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. Further, HPLC studies revealed that CGE contains three bioactive polyphenolic compounds viz., rutin (0.10±0.01mg/g), luteolin-7-glucoside (0.06±0.01mg/g) and isorhoifolin (0.7±0.05mg/g).

CONCLUSION

Observed beneficial outcome of CG might be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and mediated by interacting with multiple targets of diabetes and oxidative stress. Taken together, this study provided the scientific evidence for the traditional use of CG.

Inhibitory effects of flavonoids from stem bark of Derris indica on the formation of advanced glycation end products

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Derris indica (Lamk.) Bennet has been used in traditional medicine in many countries for the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, rheumatic joints and dipsia in diabetes. In addition, several studies have revealed that this plant displayed various pharmacological activities including anti-diabetic. The present study was designed to isolate the active compounds from its stem bark and evaluate their inhibitory activity on the formation of advanced glycation end products.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The EtOAc extract of the stem bark of Derris indica was isolated by column chromatographic techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. All compounds were assayed for their inhibitory effects on advanced glycation end products formation using BSA-methylglyoxal assay.

RESULTS

Chromatographic fractionation of the EtOAc extract of Derris indica stem bark led to the isolation of two new pyranoflavonoids, derrisins A and B (1-2), along with 11 known flavonoids (3-13). The inhibitory activities of the compounds on the formation of advanced glycation end products were evaluated. Derrisin B (2) was the most active compound with IC50 value of 18.0µM, and displayed stronger inhibitory activity compared with positive control aminoguanidine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided the possibility that a pyranoflavonoid (2) found in Derris indica might have therapeutic potential as an inhibitor against the formation of advanced glycation end products.

Polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica show hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in mice with experimentally induced diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder of the endocrine system. The rapid increase in the incidence of DM is a serious public health concern worldwide. The treatment of DM and its complications mainly involves the use of chemically or biochemically synthesized drugs, but these drugs also have adverse side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for drugs from natural sources that would cause fewer side effects. This study aimed to determine whether polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica (LJP) exert hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in mice with alloxan-induced diabetes. To this end, diabetes was induced by alloxan injection (200 mg/kg body weight [bw], intraperitoneal [ip]). After induction of diabetes, diabetic mice were randomly divided into five groups: diabetic control (DC) group, glibenclamide-treated (DG) group, low-dose LJP-treated (DLL) group, moderate-dose LJP-treated (DML) group, and high-dose LJP-treated (DHL) group, with normal mice used as the control group (NC group). After treatment for 28 days, body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured. The results revealed that LJP administration prevented body-weight loss, decreased FBG levels, and increased serum insulin levels in diabetic mice. Furthermore, it decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, and increased HDL-C levels in these mice. Thus, the results indicate that LJP possesses hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and polysaccharides from LJP may hold promise for the development of a drug of natural origin for the treatment of DM.

Nuclear DNA content of Pongamia pinnata L. and genome size stability of in vitro-regenerated plantlets

Pongamia pinnata L. is a multipurpose versatile legume that is well known as a prospective feedstock biodiesel species. However, to date, there has been little genomic research aimed at the exploitation of the biotechnological potential of this species. Genetic characterization of any plant is a challenging task when there is no information about the genome size and organization of the species. Therefore, the genome size of P. pinnata was estimated by flow cytometry with respect to two standards (Zea mays and Pisum sativum), and compared with that of in vitro-raised plants (nodal segment, in vitro-rooted plantlets and acclimatized in vitro plants) to study the potential effect of somaclonal variation on genome size. This method can be used to support the establishment of true-to-type plants to encourage afforestation programs. Modified propidium iodide/hypotonic citrate buffer was used for isolation of the intact nuclei. The 2C DNA value of this species was estimated to be 2.51 ± 0.01 pg. Statistically, there was no significant difference in the DNA content of the in vitro-grown plants and mother plant at α = 0.05. As a result of the low genome size of P. pinnata, a species that has adapted itself to a wide range of edaphic and ecological condition, we can now proceed for its next generation sequencing and genomic diversity studies.

Medohara and Lekhaniya dravyas (anti-obesity and hypolipidemic drugs) in Ayurvedic classics: A critical review

Santarpanottha Vikaras (diseases due to excessive nutrition) are increasing during current times. Medodushti (disorders of fat metabolism) serves as one of the important etiological factor in most of these disorders including Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). IHD is identified as one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide in both developing and developed countries. Retention and deposition of serum lipids resulting in decreased flow of blood in coronary arteries being the underlying cause. Conventional and herbal drugs are being used to lower levels of serum cholesterol to prevent this menace. In this regard, an attempt has been made to critically review the Medohara and Lekhaniya (Anti-obesity and Hypolipidemic) drugs mentioned in Ganas (group of drugs) of Ayurvedic classical texts which may abet our understanding of prevention and management of conditions like Dyslipidemia and its complications. Administration of drugs possessing Tikta Rasa (bitter taste), Ushna Veerya (hot in potency), Laghu and Ruksha Guna (light and dry qualities), Katu Vipaka and Vata Kaphahara actions were noted during the analysis.

Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre: a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is one of the many plants with diverse medicinal properties where all its parts have been used as traditional medicine in the treatment and prevention of several kinds of ailments in many countries such as for treatment of piles, skin diseases, and wounds.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review discusses the current knowledge of traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicity of this species in order to reveal its therapeutic and gaps requiring future research opportunities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review is based on literature study on scientific journals and books from library and electronic sources such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, ACS, etc.

RESULTS

Several different classes of flavonoid derivatives, such as flavones, flavans, and chalcones, and several types of compounds including terpenes, steroid, and fatty acids have been isolated from all parts of this plant. The pharmacological studies revealed that various types of preparations, extracts, and single compounds of this species exhibited a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities.

CONCLUSION

The results of several toxicity studies indicated that extracts and single compounds isolated from this species did not show any significant toxicity and did not cause abnormality on some rats' organs. Thus, this plant has a potential to be used as an effective therapeutic remedy due to its low toxicity towards mammalian cells. However, further study on chemical constituents and their mechanisms in exhibiting certain biological activities are needed to understand the full phytochemical profile and the complex pharmacological effects of this plant. In addition, further study on the toxicity of the other compounds isolated from this plant required to be assessed to ensure their eligibility to be used as sources of drugs.

Management of diabetic complications: a chemical constituents based approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Long term hyperglycemia leads to development of complications associated with diabetes. Diabetic complications are now a global health problem without effective therapeutic approach. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important components for the development of diabetic complications. Over the past few decades, herbal medicines have attracted much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications due to their multiple targets and less toxic side effects. This review aims to assess the current available knowledge of medicinal herbs for attenuation and management of diabetic complications and their underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by scrutinizing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases (SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, Google Scholar) to retrieve available published literature. The inclusion criteria for the selection of plants were based upon all medicinal herbs and their active compounds with attributed potentials in relieving diabetic complications. Moreover, plants which have potential effect in ameliorating oxidative stress in diabetic animals have been included.

RESULTS

Overall, 238 articles were reviewed for plant literature and out of the reviewed literature, 127 articles were selected for the study. Various medicinal plants/plant extracts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, saponins and phytosterol type chemical constituents were found to be effective in the management of diabetic complications. This effect might be attributed to amelioration of persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and modulation of various metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.

CONCLUSION

Screening chemical candidate from herbal medicine might be a promising approach for new drug discovery to treat the diabetic complications. There is still a dire need to explore the mechanism of action of various plant extracts and their toxicity profile and to determine their role in therapy of diabetic complications. Moreover, a perfect rodent model which completely mimics human diabetic complications should be developed.

Natural products possessing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity found in the last decades

This article provides an overview of approximately 300 secondary metabolites with inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which were isolated from various natural sources or derived from synthetic process in the last decades. The structure-activity relationship and the selectivity of some compounds against other protein phosphatases were also discussed. Potential pharmaceutical applications of several PTP1B inhibitors were presented.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. have been utilized traditionally for the cure of diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was aimed to assess the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of T. asiatica leaves in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, HPLC analysis, acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were carried out. Glucose lowering effect of the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of T. asiatica leaves was studied in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic and antioxidant activities were studied for the ethyl acetate extract. The effects of extracts on blood glucose, body weight, plasma insulin, total protein, liver glycogen, plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were analyzed.

RESULTS

T. asiatica leaves ethyl acetate extract (TALEe) showed highly significant blood glucose lowering effect. Phytochemical evaluation of TALEe showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, cumarins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The total phenolic content of TALEe was 126 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g extract. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flindersine and ulopterol. Acute toxicity study of TALEe revealed no death or toxicity. The oral glucose tolerance test showed lowered area under curve (AUC(glucose)) values in TALEe treated rats. After treatment with TALEe (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 28 days there was a significant decrease in blood glucose, plasma enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and significant increase in body weight, total protein, serum insulin and liver glycogen levels in treated diabetic rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx were reversed to near normal in treated diabetic rats. Histopathology of pancreas in TALEe treated groups showed regeneration of β-cells.

CONCLUSION

The results of the experiments showed that TALEe exerted significant antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats justifying its traditional use.

Isolation of Antidiabetic Principle from Fruit Rinds of Punica granatum

Present study was aimed to isolate and evaluate the antidiabetic activity of phytoconstituents from fruit rinds of Punica granatum. With the above objectives Valoneic acid dilactone (VAD) was isolated from methanolic fruit rind extracts of Punica granatum (MEPG) and confirmed by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and mass spectral data. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by Aldose reductase, α-amylase and PTP1B inhibition assays in in vitro and Alloxan-induced diabetes in rats was used as an in vivo model. In bioactivity studies, MEPG and VAD have showed potent antidiabetic activity in α-amylase, aldose reductase, and PTP1B inhibition assays with IC₅₀ values of 1.02, 2.050, 26.25 μg/mL and 0.284, 0.788, 12.41 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, in alloxan-induced diabetes model MEPG (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and VAD (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) have showed significant and dose dependent antidiabetic activity by maintaining the blood glucose levels within the normal limits. Inline with the biochemical findings histopathology of MEPG (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.), VAD (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, p.o.), and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) treated animals showed significant protection against alloxan-induced pancreatic tissue damage. These findings suggest that MEPG and VAD possess significant antidiabetic activity in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of leaf essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Background

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.), which is used in traditional Tunisian folk medicine for the treatment of hyperglycaemia, is widely known as one of the medicinal herbs with the highest antioxidant activity. The present paper is conducted to test the hypoglycemic and antioxidative activities of the leaf essential oil of P. graveolens.

Methods

The essential oil P. graveolens was administered daily and orally to the rats at two doses of 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 30 days. The chemical composition of P. graveolens essential oil, body weight, serum glucose, hepatic glycogen, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the components of hepatic, and renal and serum antioxidant systems were evaluated. The hypoglycemic effect of rose-scented geranium was compared to that of the known anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg b.w.).

Results

After the administration of two doses of essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. together with glibenclamide which is known by its antidiabetic activities and used as reference (600 μg/kg b.w.), for four weeks, the serum glucose significantly decreased and antioxidant perturbations were restored. The hypoglycemic effect of P. graveolens at the dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. was significantly (p< 0.05) more effective than that of glibenclamide. It is through the histological findings in hepatic and renal tissues of diabetic rats that these beneficial effects of geranium oils were confirmed.

Conclusions

It suggests that administration of essential oil of P. graveolens may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress. Our results, therefore, suggest that the rose-scented geranium could be used as a safe alternative antihyperglycemic drug for diabetic patients.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and phenolics of different solvent extracts from bark, leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

This study appraises the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of various solvent extracts (absolute methanol, aqueous methanol, absolute ethanol, aqueous ethanol, absolute acetone, aqueous acetone, and deionized water) from bark, leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Maximum extraction yield of antioxidant components from bark (16.31%), leaves (11.42%) and seeds (21.51%) of P. pinnata was obtained using aqueous methanol (20:80). Of the extracts tested, the bark extract, obtained with aqueous methanol, exhibited greater levels of total phenolics [6.94 g GAE/100 g dry weight (DW)], total flavonoids (3.44 g CE/100 g DW), inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation (69.23%) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC(50) value, 3.21 μg/mL), followed by leaves and seeds extracts. Bark extract tested against a set of bacterial and fungal strains also revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity with the largest inhibition zone and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HPLC analysis of aqueous methanol extracts from bark, leaves and seeds indicated the presence of protocatechuic, ellagic, ferulic, gallic, gentisic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and 4-hydroxycinnamic acids in bark (1.50-6.70 mg/100 g DW); sorbic, ferulic, gallic, salicylic and p-coumaric acids in leaves (1.18-4.71 mg/100 g DW); vanillic, gallic and tannic acids in seeds (0.52-0.65 mg/100 g DW) as the main phenolic acids. The present investigation concludes that the tested parts of P. pinnata, in particular the bark, have strong potential for the isolation of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for functional food and pharmaceutical uses.

Antidiabetic activity of Crateva nurvala stem bark extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Crateva nurvala stem bark (family: Capparidaceae) extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of different extracts of C. nurvala and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg b. wt.). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods:

The petroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol, and aqueous extracts of C. nurvala stem bark were obtained by simple maceration method and were subjected to standardization by following pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening methods. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (50–5000 mg/kg b. wt.) as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.

Results and Conclusions:

C. nurvala petroleum ether extract (CNPEE) and ethanolic extract (CNEE) showed significant (P< 0.001) antidiabetic activities. In alloxan-induced model, blood glucose level of these extracts on seventh day of study were CNPEE (126.33±13.703 mg/dl) and CNEE (126.66±13.012 mg/dl) when compared with diabetic control (413.50±4.752 mg/dl) and chloroform extract (320.83±13.516 mg/dl). In OGGT model (glucose loaded rats), CNPEE showed a glucose level of 178.83±3.070 mg/dl after 30 min and 131.66±2.486 mg/dl after 90 min, whereas CNEE showed 173.66±4.224 mg/dl after 30 min and 115.50±3.394 mg/dl after 90 min. These extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The drug has the potential to act as an antidiabetic drug.

Antidiabetic activity of Pongamia pinnata leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The antidiabetic activity of Pongamia pinnata ( Family: Leguminosae) leaf extracts was investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. A comparison was made between the action of different extracts of P. pinnata and a known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (600 μg/kg b. wt.). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed in experimental diabetic rats. The petroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol and aqueous extracts of P. pinnata were obtained by simple maceration method and were subjected to standardization using pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening methods. Dose selection was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study (50-5000 mg/kg b. w.) as per OECD guidelines. P. pinnata ethanolic extract (PPEE) and aqueous extract (PPAE) showed significant (P < 0.001) antidiabetic activity. In alloxan-induced model, blood glucose levels of these extracts on 7th day of the study were 155.83 ± 11.211mg/dl (PPEE) and 132.00 ± 4.955mg/dl (PPAE) in comparison of diabetic control (413.50 ± 4.752mg/dl) and chloroform extract (210.83 ± 14.912mg/dl). In glucose loaded rats, PPEE exhibited glucose level of 164.50 ± 6.350mg/dl after 30 min and 156.50 ± 4.089mg/dl after 90 min, whereas the levels in PPAE treated animals were 176 ± 3.724mg/dl after 30 min and 110.33 ± 6.687mg/dl after 90 min. These extracts also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The drug has the potential to act as an antidiabetic drug.

Pongamol from Pongamia pinnata stimulates glucose uptake by increasing surface GLUT4 level in skeletal muscle cells

Skeletal muscle is the major site of postprandial glucose disposal and augmenting glucose uptake into this tissue may attenuate insulin resistance that precedes type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we investigated the effect of pongamol, an identified lead molecule from the fruits of Pongamia pinnata, on glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells. In L6-GLUT4myc myotubes treatment with pongamol significantly promoted both glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface in a concentration-dependent manner, without changing the total amount of GLUT4 protein and GLUT4 mRNA, effects that were also additive with insulin. Cycloheximide treatment inhibited the effect of pongamol on GLUT4 translocation suggesting the requirement of new protein synthesis. The pongamol-induced increase in GLUT4 translocation was completely abolished by wortmannin, and pongamol significantly potentiated insulin-mediated phosphorylation of AKT (Ser-473). We conclude that pongamol-induced increase in glucose uptake in L6 myotubes is the result of an increased translocation of GLUT4 to plasma membrane, driven by a PI-3-K/AKT dependent mechanism.

In vitro alpha-amylase inhibition and in vivo antioxidant potential of Amaranthus spinosus in alloxan-induced oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as "Mulluharivesoppu" in Kannada, is used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The present study deals with the scientific evaluation of alpha amylase and the antioxidant potential of methanol extract of A. spinosus (MEAS). The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition by CNPG3 (2-chloro-4-nitrophenol α-d-maltotrioside) and in vivo antioxidant potential of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and total thiols (TT) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats of a methanolic extract of A. spinosus. Blood sugar was also determined in MEAS-treated alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MEAS showed significant inhibition of alpha-amylase activity and IC50 46.02 μg/ml. Oral administration of MEAS (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 15 days showed significant reduction in the elevated blood glucose, MDA and restores GSH, CAT and TT levels as compared with a diabetic control. The present study provides evidence that the methanolic extract of A. spinosus has potent alpha amylase, anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical characteristics and hypoglycaemic activity of fraction from mushroom Inonotus obliquus

BACKGROUND

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal mushroom that has been used as an effective agent to treat various diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer. In order to elucidate the active fraction and its constituents, the effects of ethyl acetate fraction from I. obliquus (EAFI) on hyperglycaemia were investigated and the main constituents of EAFI were isolated and identified.

RESULTS

EAFI treatment led to a significant decrease in blood glucose level (P < 0.05) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. It significantly decreased the total cholesterol level in serum, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and improved the growth physiological characteristics. In addition, EAFI treatment decreased the levels of triglyceride and malondialdehyde and increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum and the hepatic glycogen level in liver of diabetic mice. Five compounds were isolated from EAFI and identified as lanosterol (1), 3beta-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24-diene-21-al (2), inotodiol (3), ergosterol peroxide (4) and trametenolic acid (5) by spectral methods. Inotodiol and trametenolic acid were found to have an inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase activity and a scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals.

CONCLUSION

EAFI showed significant antihyperglycaemic and antilipidperoxidative effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Terpenoid and sterol compounds appeared to be the major active constituents of I. obliquus.

New furanoflavanoids, intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and free-radical (DPPH) scavenging, activity from antihyperglycemic root extract of Derris indica (Lam.)

A bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical examination of antihyperglycemic root extract of Derris indica resulted in isolation and characterization of two new furanoflavanoids (1, 2) along with thirteen known compounds (3-15). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) data analysis and by comparison with the literature data. All the compounds were tested in vitro for intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and DPPH radical activity. New compounds (1, 2) displayed moderate intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory as well as free radical scavenging activity. Other compounds also displayed varying degrees of moderate intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Pongamol (6) displayed potent intestinal alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of Withania somnifera root and leaf extracts on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant, which is used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases. Flavonoids were determined in the extracts of W. somnifera root (WSREt) and leaf (WSLEt). The amounts of total flavonoids found in WSREt and WSLEt were 530 and 520 mg/100 g dry weight (DW), respectively. Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of WSREt and WSLEt were also investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. WSREt and WSLEt and the standard drug glibenclamide were orally administered daily to diabetic rats for eight weeks. After the treatment period, urine sugar, blood glucose, haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), liver glycogen, serum and tissues lipids, serum and tissues proteins, liver glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) and serum enzymes like aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were determined. The levels of urine sugar, blood glucose, HbA1C, G6P, AST, ALT, ACP, ALP, serum lipids except high density lipoprotein-bound cholesterol (HDL-c) and tissues like liver, kidney and heart lipids were significantly (p < 0.05) increased, however Hb, total protein, albumin, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, tissues protein and glycogen were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide restored the changes of the above parameters to their normal level after eight weeks of treatment, indicating that WSREt and WSLEt possess hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) rats.

Investigation of antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous and petroleum ether extract of stem bark of Pongamia pinnata on serum glucose level in diabetic mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of aqueous (PPSB-AQE) and petroleum ether (PPSB-PEE) extract of stem bark Pongamia pinnata in alloxan induced diabetic mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in mice by alloxan (80 mg/kg, i.v.). After acute and subacute treatment serum glucose was determined. OGTT was performed in PPSB-PEE pretreated animals.

RESULTS

PPSB-PEE (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum glucose level in acute and subacute studies. The antihyperglycaemic effects of PPSBPE (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) showed onset at 2h and peak effect at 6h and the effect was sustained until 24 th h with 400mg/kg. In subacute study, antihyperglycaemic effect was observed on 21st day. In PPSBPE treated mice the body weight was not reduced in contrast to that in vehicle group. In OGTT, increased glucose utilization was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that PPSB-PEE but not PPSB-AQE showed antihyperglycaemic activity.

Identification of pongamol and karanjin as lead compounds with antihyperglycemic activity from Pongamia pinnata fruits

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify pongamol and karanjin as lead compounds with antihyperglycemic activity from Pongamia pinnata fruits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemic and hyperinsulinemic db/db mice were used to investigate the antihyperglycemic activity of pongamol and karangin isolated from the fruits of Pongamia pinnata.

RESULTS

In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, single dose treatment of pongamol and karanjin lowered the blood glucose level by 12.8% (p<0.05) and 11.7% (p<0.05) at 50mg /kg dose and 22.0% (p<0.01) and 20.7% (p<0.01) at 100mg/kg dose, respectively after 6h post-oral administration. The compounds also significantly lowered blood glucose level in db/db mice with percent activity of 35.7 (p<0.01) and 30.6 (p<0.01), respectively at 100mg/kg dose after consecutive treatment for 10 days. The compounds were observed to exert a significant inhibitory effect on enzyme protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (EC 3.1.3.48).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that pongamol and karangin isolated from the fruits of Pongamia pinnata possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic db/db mice and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B may be the possible target for their activity.