Comparison between ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Chinese juniper berries for hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Gowda SG, M. Gangadhara R, Gowda D, Hui SP. Exploration of New Lipid Nutrients and Their Characterization in Herbal Teas Using Non-Targeted Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Herbal teas are blends of leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers from various plants that provide relaxation, anti-inflammatory benefits, and immune system support for conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Despite their health benefits, comprehensive lipidomic data on herbal teas are limited in the literature. We used non-targeted liquid chromatography-linear ion trap orbitrap mass spectrometry to identify and correlate the lipid species in the following six herbal tea samples: fennel, ginger, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, and rosehip. A total of 204 lipid molecular species were identified, and multivariate analysis revealed a significant difference between lipid species in herbal teas. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are significantly abundant in juniper, including ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids, followed by fennel. Cluster correlations showed that ginger contained mainly sphingolipids and lysophospholipids, whereas fennel was rich in phospholipids. No significant variations in the content of triacylglycerols were observed in any of the herbal teas analyzed. The ratio of PUFAs to SFAs in herbal teas showed that orange peel had the highest ratio, followed by lemon peel and fennel, indicating their potential health benefits. In addition, using high-resolution mass spectrometry, various lipids such as fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids and N-acyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamines were identified and characterized in these herbal teas. This study provides a comprehensive lipid analysis and detailed characterization of lipids in six herbal teas, highlighting their plausible applications in the field of nutrition and various food industries for the development of functional foods.

A systematic analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants from cells to clinical trials

Background

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health emergencies of the 21st century, placing a severe economic burden on many countries. Current management approaches have improved diabetic care, but several limitations still exist, such as decreased efficacy, adverse effects, and the high cost of treatment, particularly for developing nations. There is, therefore, a need for more cost-effective therapies for diabetes management. The evidence-based application of phytochemicals from plants in the management of diseases is gaining traction.

Methodology

Various plants and plant parts have been investigated as antidiabetic agents. This review sought to collate and discuss published data on the cellular and molecular effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on insulin signaling pathways to better understand the current trend in using plant products in the management of diabetes. Furthermore, we explored available information on medicinal plants that consistently produced hypoglycemic effects from isolated cells to animal studies and clinical trials.

Results

There is substantial literature describing the effects of a range of plant extracts on insulin action and insulin signaling, revealing a depth in knowledge of molecular detail. Our exploration also reveals effective antidiabetic actions in animal studies, and clear translational potential evidenced by clinical trials.

Conclusion

We suggest that this area of research should be further exploited in the search for novel therapeutics for diabetes.

Leptadenia hastata Leaf Extract ameliorates oxidative stress and serum biochemical parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced diabetes in Wistar rats

Introduction

: Diabetes Mellitus is a major health problem characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances in metabolism and implicated in causing oxidative stress. Treatment includes administration of oral hypoglycaemic agents with lifestyle modifications, these offer glycemic control, however, present limitations about availability, affordability and side effects. Traditional anti-diabetic plants are becoming popular in management of diabetes mellitus. This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of Leptadenaia hastata in treatment of diabetes.

Materials and methods

Diabetes mellitus was induced in using a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg kg- 1 i.p.). The rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats each. Groups 3-6 received olive oil, 100 mg kg- 1 extract, 200 mg.kg- 1 extract and insulin (6IU kg- 1), respectively. 10 non-diabetic rats were grouped into two group receiving olive oil and 200 mg kg- 1 extract for 28 days. All groups were sacrificed by injecting with ketamine hydrochloride, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and centrifuged. The serum was analyzed for biochemical parameters. The liver was removed and homogenized with the supernatant of the resultant homogenate collected and used for analysis of oxidative stress enzymes.

Results

The extract significantly decreased serum AST (p < 0.05), ALP (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.01), TC (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001). It had no effect on SOD and CAT levels but it significantly increased (p < 0.001) GSH levels and reduced (p < 0.05) MDA level.

Conclusions

The n-hexane extract of Leptadenia hastata significantly decreased the levels of hepatic and renal serum biomarkers proving that it was beneficial in ameliorating diabetic related complications. The extract significantly increased GSH levels and reduced MDA level.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01017-z.

Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Molecules: A Review

Hydroxylated polyphenols, also called flavonoids, are richly present in vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, herbs, seeds, stems, and flowers of numerous plants. They possess numerous medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammation. Studies show that flavonoids activate antioxidant pathways that render an anti-inflammatory effect. They inhibit the secretions of enzymes such as lysozymes and β-glucuronidase and inhibit the secretion of arachidonic acid, which reduces inflammatory reactions. Flavonoids such as quercetin, genistein, apigenin, kaempferol, and epigallocatechin 3-gallate modulate the expression and activation of a cytokine such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8); regulate the gene expression of many pro-inflammatory molecules such s nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), and E-selectins; and also inhibits inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and lipoxygenase, which are pro-inflammatory enzymes. Understanding the anti-inflammatory action of flavonoids provides better treatment options, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, obstructive pulmonary disorder, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. This review highlights the sources, biochemical activities, and role of flavonoids in enhancing human health.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and in vitro β-galactosidase inhibition activities of Juniperus phoenicea and Calicotome villosa methanolic extracts

Background

Juniperus Phoenicea (JP) and Calicotome Villosa (CV) are used by Jordanian populations as herbal remedies in traditional medicine. Herein, the phytochemical contents of their methanolic extracts were analyzed and their antioxidant as well as in vitro anti- β-Galactosidase activities were evaluated; their effect on β-Galactosidase enzyme kinetics was evaluated and the thermodynamic of the enzyme was determined.

Methods

The antioxidant activity of JP and CV crude methanolic extracts was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays; however, the effect of the plants’ crude extracts on β-Galactosidase activity and kinetics was evaluated in vitro. Moreover, total phenolic, flavonoids, and flavonols content in plants’ extracts were determined and expressed in Gallic acid equivalent (mg GAE/g dry extract) or rutin equivalent (mg RE/g dry extract).

Results

Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts of JP and CV leaves revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and glycosides. Flavonoids and flavonols contents were significantly higher in JP than in CV (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an analogous phenolic content was detected in both JP and CV methanolic extracts (103.6 vs 99.1 mg GAE/g extract). The ability of JP extract to scavenge DPPH radicals was significantly higher than that of CV extract with IC₅₀ = 11.1 μg/ml and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively. However, their extracts revealed relatively similar antioxidant capacities in FRAP assay; their activity was concentration dependent. The JP extract inhibited β—galactosidase enzyme activity with a significant IC₅₀ value compared to CV extract; they exhibited their inhibitory activities at IC₅₀ values 65 µg/ml and 700 µg/ml, respectively. Rutin revealed anti-β-galactosidase activity at IC₅₀ = 75 µg/ml. The mode of inhibition of β-galactosidase by JP, CV, and rutin was non-competitive, mixed, and competitive inhibition, respectively. Thermodynamic and enzyme inactivation kinetics revealed that β-galactosidase has a half-life time of 108 min at 55 °C, activation energy of 208.88 kJ mol⁻¹ and the inactivation kinetics follows a first-order reaction with k-values 0.0023–0.0862 min⁻¹ and positive entropy of inactivation (∆S°) values at various temperatures, indicating non-significant processes of aggregation.

Conclusions

The methanolic extracts of JP and CV possess anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant activities with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and accounts for the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths. Scientific evidence has found that plant extracts seem to be a reliable choice due to their multitarget effects against HCC. Juniperus communis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and its anticancer properties have been reported. As a result, the purpose of the study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of J. communis extract (JCo extract) on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that JCo extract inhibited the growth of human HCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, extensive apoptosis and suppressing metastatic protein expressions in HCC cells. Moreover, the combinational treatment of JCo and VP-16 was found to enhance the anticancer effect, revealing that JCo extract might have the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant to promote HCC treatment. Furthermore, in vivo study, JCo extract significantly suppressed HCC tumor growth and extended the lifespan with no or low systemic and pathological toxicity. JCo extract significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and tumor suppressor p53, suppressed VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signaling, down-regulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and MMP2/MMP9 proteins. Overall, our results provide a basis for exploiting JCo extract as a potential anticancer agent against HCC.

Juniperus indica Bertol. extract synergized with cisplatin against melanoma cells via the suppression of AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling and induction of cell apoptosis

Juniperus indica Bertol. is an herbal plant that belongs to the genus Juniperus, which is commonly used in traditional medicine to refresh the mind and for diuretic use. However, few studies have reported the function of J. indica Bertol. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor and synergistic potential of J. indica Bertol. extract (JIB extract) for melanoma cells. Our results indicated the anti-melanoma activity of JIB extract. JIB extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G₀/G₁ phase and decreased cyclin and cdk protein expressions. In addition, AKT/mTOR signaling and MAPK signaling were inhibited by JIB extract to suppress melanoma cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, JIB extract induced B16/F10 cell apoptosis via the caspase cascade. According to the JIB extract's anti-melanoma capacity, to assess the synergistic effects of cisplatin and JIB extract. The results demonstrated that JIB extract combined with cisplatin enhanced the inhibition of cell growth, proliferation, and survival through the obstruction of cell cycle progression and AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling as well as the induction of cell apoptosis. Collectively, our results indicate that JIB extract showed anti-tumor effects and synergized with cisplatin against B16/F10 cells, indicating the possibility of JIB extract to be developed as adjuvant therapy for melanoma.

Secondary metabolites (essential oils) from sand-dune plants induce cytotoxic effects in cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Despite advances in modern therapeutic strategies, cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop more efficient anticancer targeting strategies. The anticancer therapeutic proprieties of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds have been reported for several years, making natural extracts and/or compounds derived from these a promising source of novel anticancer agents. Sand dune plants are subjected to severe environmental stresses, leading to the development of adaptations, including the production of secondary metabolites with a wide range of bioactivities, such as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, antinociceptive, antioxidant and anticancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The anticancer potential of sand dune plants remains under-investigated, so this research describes the characterisation of the composition of bioactive EOs from sand-dune plants of Peniche (Portugal), and assessment of their activity in vitro and potential mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EOs were extracted from six sand-dune species of plants from Peniche sand dunes: Crithmum maritimum L., Seseli tortuosum L., Artemisia campestris subsp. maritima (DC.) Arcang., Juniperus phoenicea var. turbinata (Guss.) Parl., Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link, and Eryngium maritimum L.. EOs composition was fully characterised chemically using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The assessment of anticancer activity and mechanism of action was performed in vitro using breast and colorectal cancer 2D and 3D spheroid cell line models, through cell proliferation assay, western blotting analysis, and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

EOs from the majority of the species tested (S. tortuosum, A. campestris subsp. maritima, O. maritimus, and E. maritimum) were mainly composed by hydrocarbon compounds (sequisterpenes and monoterpenes), showing antiproliferative activity in both 2D and 3D models. EO extracted from S. tortuosum and O. maritimus were identified as having the lowest IC₅₀ values for both cell lines when compared with the other species tested. Furthermore, this antiproliferative activity was associated with increased p21 expression and induction of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that EOs extracted from S. tortuosum and O. maritimus present promising cytotoxic properties. Further evaluation of the extracts and their key components as potential anticancer agents should therefore be explored.

Potential of Juniperus communis L as a nutraceutical in human and veterinary medicine

Plants have been used for thousands of years as medicine for treating variety of diseases and medical complaints by most of the civilizations. Juniperus communis L. is an evergreen aromatic shrub with high therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases in human and animals. The plant is rich in aromatic oils, invert sugars, resins, catechin, organic acid, terpenic acids, leucoanthocyanidin, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, lignins, wax, etc. Juniper berries or extract of the plant has traditionally been used as diuretic, anti-arthritis, anti-diabetes, antiseptic as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders. The essential oil and extracts of juniper have been experimentally documented to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. Recent studies have also found anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of berries in experimental models. Further, the essential oil incorporation retarded lipid peroxidation in preserved meat due to its high antioxidant effect which not only improved meat product quality but also improved shelf life of the product. Thus natural antioxidant such as juniper can be used in place synthetic antioxidant for the preservation and improving self-life of meat products. New well designed clinical trials in human and animals using well-characterized J. communis extract or oil need to be conducted so that additional information is generated which can support the use of this natural product as a nutraceutical.

Phytochemical screening and preliminary clinical trials of the aqueous extract mixture of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees and Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Walp leaves in metformin treated patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Our previous preclinical study showed that the extract mixture (EM) of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) and Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Walp (SP) leaves had antidiabetic effects and were beneficial on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify the phytochemical compounds present in aqueous extract of AP and SP and 2) examine the benefits of the EM of AP and SP leaves in lowering blood glucose in the presence of standard antidiabetic treatment using metformin in type 2 diabetic patients in Indonesian Traditional Medicine Polyclinic of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of aqueous leaf extract of AP and SP was performed using standard chemical tests, TLC, and GC-MS. Furthermore, a total of 54 subjects with T2DM participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group supplemented with the extract mixture of AP and SP at a dose 900  mg/day for 8 weeks, or the control group which received placebo tablets in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded parallel clinical trial. Both groups received metformin at dose 1000  mg/day. Body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, haemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and markers of liver and kidney damage were measured.

RESULTS

The results of phytochemical analysis showed that the glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins were found to be present in the extract mixture. GC-MS analyses of AP and SP showed the presence of 19 and 12 peaks, respectively. Methyl ester of 9-octadecenoic and eicosanoic acid were determined as the main constituents of both species. Moreover, the results of clinical study suggested that the extract mixture improved the decrease of fasting blood glucose and postprandial glucose, significantly lowered body mass index compared with the control group. The EM appeared beneficial for SGPT values and uric acid levels.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results of this study suggested the potential beneficial effects of the extract mixture for use as complementary medicine alongside conventional treatment of metformin. The extract mixture contained many highly potent compounds for treating T2DM and preventing short- and long-term risk complications of diabetes.

Genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills

BACKGROUND

Juniperus communis L. represents a multi-purpose crop used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industry. Several studies present the possible medicinal properties of different Juniperus taxa native to specific geographical area. The present study aims to evaluate the genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills.

METHODS

The prepared hydroethanolic extract of Juniperus communis L. was characterized by GC-MS, HPLC, UV-Vis spectrometry and phytochemical assays. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH assay, the antifungal effect was studied on Aspergillus niger ATCC 15475 and Penicillium hirsutum ATCC 52323, while the genoprotective effect was evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in two inflammation experimental models (dextran and kaolin) by plethysmometry. Male Wistar rats were treated by gavage with distilled water (negative control), the microemulsion (positive control), diclofenac sodium aqueous solution (reference) and microemulsions containing juniper extract (experimental group). The initial paw volume and the paw volumes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 24 h were measured.

RESULTS

Total terpenoids, phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to be 13.44 ± 0.14 mg linalool equivalent, 19.23 ± 1.32 mg gallic acid equivalent, and 5109.6 ± 21.47 mg rutin equivalent per 100 g of extract, respectively. GC-MS characterization of the juniper extract identified 57 volatile compounds in the sample, while the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of the selected compounds (α-pinene, chlorogenic acid, rutin, apigenin, quercitin). The antioxidant potential of the crude extract was found to be 81.63 ± 0.38% (measured by the DPPH method). The results of the antifungal activity assay (for Aspergillus niger and Penicillium hirsutum) were 21.6 mm, respectively 17.2 mm as inhibition zone. Test results demonstrated the genoprotective potential of J. communis undiluted extract, inhibiting the mitodepressive effect of ethanol. The anti-inflammatory action of the juniper extract, administered as microemulsion in acute-dextran model was increased when compared to kaolin subacute inflammation induced model.

CONCLUSION

The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from wild-growing Juniperus communis native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills has genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ethanolic extract of Amaranthus paniculatus Linn. ameliorates diabetes-associated complications in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory potentials of ethanolic extract of leaves of Amaranthus paniculatus linn. (EEAP) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats scientifically. Hyperglycemia induces the generation of free radicals which can affect antioxidant defenses, thus leading to the disruption of beta cellular functions, oxidative damage to membranes, leading to the release of C-reactive protein and altered lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ice-cold aqueous alloxan monohydrate at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight.

RESULTS

After a daily single oral administration of the EEAP for 28 days starting from the study protocol, the blood glucose, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed. The results obtained from the study administration of daily dose of EEAP significantly reduced the blood glucose, SGPT, SGOT, TC, TG, and CRP in a dose-dependent manner. The results obtained were comparable to those of glibenclamide. The serum levels of TC, TG, and CRP were significantly altered in the diabetic control group, but it was significantly decreased in the extract-treated group and standard glibenclamide-treated group, except at a dose of 100 mg/kg where there was no significant effect on the TG level. The finding obtained suggests that EEAP acts through molecular level, modifying the altered pathways in diabetes and associated complications.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that EEAP possesses a potential for the management of diabetes and associated complications in experimentally-induced diabetic rats.

Antioxidant plants and diabetes mellitus

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly and it is expected to increase by 2030. Other than currently available therapeutic options, there are a lot of herbal medicines, which have been recommended for its treatment. Herbal medicines have long been used for the treatment of DM because of the advantage usually having no or less side-effects. Most of these plants have antioxidant activities and hence, prevent or treat hard curable diseases, other than having the property of combating the toxicity of toxic or other drugs. In this review other than presenting new findings of DM, the plants, which are used and have been evaluated scientifically for the treatment of DM are introduced.

Effects of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera on some liver biochemical and histopathological parameters in male guinea pigs

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides constitute one of the most widely used classes of pesticides being employed for both agricultural and landscape pest control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dimethoate (DM), an organophosphorus insecticide, on some biochemical and histopathological parameters in liver of adult male guinea pigs as well as the possible role of Withania somnifera extract in attenuation of DM-induced hepatotoxicity. The animals were divided randomly into 5 groups and kept at 5 animals per group in an environmentally controlled condition with free access to food and water ad libitum. The first group was served as a control group and administered with olive oil orally; the group II received aqueous extract of W. somnifera (100 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) orally, group III, IV and V was administered with DM (14 mg kg(-1); 1/25LD50) for 21 days orally. Group IV and V received 100 mg kg(-1) of W. somnifera extract and silymarin, respectively half hour before DM administration for 21 days. DM caused a statistically significant increase in the serum level of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) when compared to control animals, whereas, W. somnifera and silymarin pre-treatment to the DM-intoxicated animals resulted in a significant normalization of the enzymes activities. On the other hand W. somnifera extract reduced the incidence of histopathological changes such as cytoplasmic vacuolization and degeneration in nuclei, rupture of epithelia lining the central vein, widened sinusoidal space and lymphocyte infiltration induced by DM treatment in guinea pigs. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that W. somnifera aqueous extract could protect the liver against DM-induced oxidative damage.

Internet claims on dietary and herbal supplements in advanced nephropathy: truth or myth

BACKGROUND

The use of complementary/alternative medicine has garnered rising interest in recent years. Natural products including herbs, vitamins, and minerals are the most popularly consumed. The Internet is a ubiquitous source of information/market for these supplements.

AIM

To systematically evaluate the dietary and herbal supplement recommended for patients with CKD and ESRD on the Internet, and try to distinguish between the claim of the manufacturer and proven scientific data.

METHODS

A questionnaire assessing each website was formulated. Each product ingredient was recorded in the questionnaire by two independent reviewers and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 184 websites, 28% claimed to decrease CKD progression, 60% did not advise to consult a doctor before taking the supplement, and >90% did not mention any potential drug interaction, disease interaction, or caution in use during pregnancy or in children. The ten common plant ingredients claiming to be beneficial in kidney diseases were uva ursi, dandelion, parsley, corn silk, juniper, celery, buchu, horsetail, marshmallow, and stinging nettle. In contrast to their claims, these substances were not adequately studied in humans. The available animal studies showed detrimental effects and potential drug interactions with commonly used medications in the CKD/ESRD population.

CONCLUSIONS

Nephrologists need to be cognizant of the lack of substantiated proven benefits of these substances and of the potential adverse effects in the animal models that can translate to the patients. Most importantly, the policy needs to change regarding the regulation of these products to prevent patient harm and misinformation.

Hypolipidaemic and haematological evaluation of the hydromethanolic extract of Ficus glumosa stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is associated with dyslipidaemia and haematological disorders which lead to cardiovascular complications and anaemia respectively. In this study, hydromethanolic extract of Ficus glumosa was evaluated for its hypolipidaemic and haematological effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Treatment was done orally using 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg of F. glumosa extract (FGE) with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) as standard reference drug for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, blood collected through direct heart puncture was used for evaluation of serum lipid profile and determination of haematological parameters. Organosomatic index evaluation of the liver, spleen and kidney was also done using standard procedures.

RESULTS

All doses of the extract and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent and significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of the treated rats when compared with the control group. The extract and glibenclamide produced significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the treated rats. The extract (62.5 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the treated rats when compared to the negative control group. However, FGE (62.5 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value of the treated rats. FGE (125 and 250 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in the organosomatic index of kidney in treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that F. glumosa may be of help in diabetes-induced anaemia and dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes mellitus.

Cytoprotective and anti-diabetic effects of Derris reticulata aqueous extract

The current study was aimed to investigate pancreatic protective and anti-diabetic activities of the aqueous extract of Derris reticulata stem. First, we evaluated a cytoprotective potential of D. reticulata extract on alloxan-induced damage in vitro. Treatment with D. reticulata extract at the doses of 250 and 500 μg/ml significantly increased cell viability of the pancreatic β-cell line RINm5F after exposure of alloxan. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of D. reticulata extract was further studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A significant reduction in blood glucose level along with an increase in body weight was observed in diabetic rats treated with D. reticulata extract at 250 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels were also significantly decreased compared to diabetic control rats. In accordance with in vitro cytoprotective effect, histopathological examination revealed that pancreatic islet cells of the extract-treated diabetic rat were less damage than those of the untreated diabetic group. In order to find another possible mechanism of action underling hypoglycemic activity, the effect on glucose absorption was examined using everted sac jejunum. The results showed that D. reticulata extract suppressed glucose absorption from small intestine. To corroborate safety use of D. reticulata extract, acute oral toxicity was also conducted in rats. Our results showed that none of the tested doses (250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg) induced signs of toxicity or mortality after administration of the extract. The results suggested that D. reticulata extract possess anti-diabetic activity, which resulting from its pancreatic cytoprotective effect and inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption.

Elucidating phytochemical production in Juniperus sp.: seasonality and response to stress situations

Phenolic-enriched extracts from Portuguese junipers were described as potential neuroprotective natural products. However, evaluation of plants for pharma/nutraceutical industry is based on secondary metabolite content, which is influenced by the environmental conditions. Therefore, it became important to elucidate the metabolic response of the junipers to seasonality and to stress conditions with regard to polyphenol production. Seasonal conditions modulated total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the four juniper species. Higher levels of phytochemicals were obtained when plants were not actively growing. However, only a few differences were registered in the relative contents of psydrin and a procyanidin dimer, according to species. Salt stress and methyl jasmonate elicitation promote different responses within the species. They were effective in enhancing phenolic accumulation, with just a few alterations in the relative contents of procyanidins, epicatechin, and quercetin derivatives. These differences were also reflected in gene expression of important enzymes from biosynthetic pathways.

Juniperus communis Linn oil decreases oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzymes in the heart of rats administered a diet rich in cholesterol

It has been asserted that consumption of dietary cholesterol (Chol) raises atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and that Chol causes an increase in free radical production. Hypercholesterolemic diet has also been reported to cause changes in the antioxidant system. In our study, different doses of Juniperus communis Linn (JCL) oil, a tree species growing in Mediterranean and Isparta regions and having aromatic characteristics, were administered to rats; and the levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay (TBARS) were examined in the heart tissue of rats. In this study, 35 Wistar Albino male adult rats weighing approximately 250–300 g were used. The rats were divided into five groups of seven each. The control group was administered normal pellet chow, and the Chol group was administered pellet chow including 2% Chol, while 50 JCL, 100 JCL, and 200 JCL groups were administered 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg JCL oil dissolved in 0.5% sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, respectively, in addition to the pellet chow containing 2% Chol, by gavage. After 30 days, the experiment was terminated and the antioxidant enzyme activities were examined in the heart tissue of rats. While consumption of dietary Chol decreases the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT in heart tissue of rats (not significant), administeration of 200 mg/kg JCL oil in addition to Chol led to a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Administering Chol led to a significant increase in TBARS level. Administering 100 and 200 mg/kg JCL oil together with Chol prevented significantly the increase in lipid peroxides. As a result of the study, JCL oil showed oxidant–antioxidant effect in the heart tissue of rats.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera against radiation-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of root extract of Withania somnifera (WS) against gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in hepatic tissue after whole body gamma-irradiation. Fourty male albino rats were divided into four groups. In the control group, rats were administered vehicle by tube for 7 consecutive days. The second group were administered WS (100mg/kg, by gavage) for 7 consecutive days. Animals in the third group were administered vehicle by tube for 7 consecutive days, then exposed to single dose gamma-irradiation (6 Gy). The fourth group received WS for 7 consecutive days, one hour later rats were exposed to gamma-irradiation. Irradiation hepatotoxicity was manifested biochemically by an increase in hepatic serum enzymes, significant elevation in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitrate/nitrite NO(x), significant increase in heme oxygenase activity (HO-1), as well as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in hepatic tissues. Marked DNA damage was observed. WS pretreatment showed significant decrease in serum hepatic enzymes, hepatic NO(x) and MDA levels and DNA damage, significant HO-1 induction and significant increase in SOD, GSHPx activities and GSH content compared to irradiated group. These observations suggest that WS could be developed as a potential preventive drug for ionizing irradiation induced hepatotoxicity disorders via enhancing the antioxidant activity and induction of HO-1.

The neuroprotective potential of phenolic-enriched fractions from four Juniperus species found in Portugal

The increase in population lifespan has enhanced the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, for which there is, as yet, no cure. We aimed to chemically characterize phenolic-enriched fractions (PEFs) from four wild Juniperus sp. found in Portugal (Juniperus navicularis, Juniperus oxycedrus badia, Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus turbinata) and address their potential as sources of natural products for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Leaves from the four Juniperus sp. evaluated contained a range of phenolic components which differed quantitatively between the species. The PEFs obtained were rich sources of phenolic compounds, exhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and also displayed effective intracellular radical scavenging properties in neurons submitted to oxidative injury but showed a different order of effectiveness compared to AChE inhibition. These properties made them good candidates for testing in a neurodegeneration cell model. Pre-incubation with J. oxycedrus badia PEF for 24h protected neurons from injury in the neurodegeneration cell model.

A bioactivity guided study on the antidiabetic activity of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Juniperus (Cupressaceae) species are widely used as folk medicine in spreading countries. Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. leaves is used internally to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus leaves and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol and water extracts of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso), leaves on oral administration were studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, a nonpolar fraction was separated from the n-hexane subextract by silica gel column chromatography as the main active fraction. Subfractions of this fraction was found to possess antidiabetic activity and their chemical composition was investigated by GC-FID and GC-MS, simultaneously.

RESULTS

This is the first report on the antidiabetic constituents of Joso leaves. Fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid were found as the major compounds in subfractions.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that Joso leaf extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes mellitus.

Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA).

RESULTS

Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63-64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

A pharmacological appraisal of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential

Diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder that has gravely troubled the human health and quality of life. Conventional agents are being used to control diabetes along with lifestyle management. However, they are not entirely effective and no one has ever been reported to have fully recovered from diabetes. Numerous medicinal plants have been used for the management of diabetes mellitus in various traditional systems of medicine worldwide as they are a great source of biological constituents and many of them are known to be effective against diabetes. Medicinal plants with antihyperglycemic activities are being more desired, owing to lesser side-effects and low cost. This review focuses on the various plants that have been reported to be effective in diabetes. A record of various medicinal plants with their established antidiabetic and other health benefits has been reported. These include Allium sativa, Eugenia jambolana, Panax ginseng, Gymnema sylvestre, Momrodica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus amarus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Trigonella foenum graecum and Tinospora cordifolia. All of them have shown a certain degree of antidiabetic activity by different mechanisms of action.

Evaluation of the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of an ethylacetate fraction of Artocarpus heterophyllus (jak) leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aqueous extracts of mature leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus (jak) are used by traditional medical practitioners in Sri Lanka and India for the treatment of diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of an ethylacetate (EA) fraction of the mature leaves of A. heterophyllus in a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. In normoglycemic rats, administration of a single dose (20 mg/kg) of the EA fraction resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the fasting blood glucose concentration and a significant improvement in glucose tolerance (P < 0.05), compared to the controls. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, chronic administration of the EA fraction of A. heterophyllus leaves daily for 5 weeks resulted in a significant lowering of serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Compared to control diabetic rats, the extract-treated rats had 39% less serum glucose, 23% lower serum total cholesterol and 40% lower serum TG levels and 11% higher body weight at the end of the fifth week. The percentage reductions in the serum parameters mediated by the test fraction were comparable with those produced by glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg), the reference drug used in this study. It can be concluded that the EA fraction of A. heterophyllus leaves contains one or more hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic principles which have the potential to be developed further for the treatment of diabetes specifically associated with a hyperlipidemic state.

Effects of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus on tissue lipid peroxidation, trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and blood glucose levels in experimental diabetes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

Investigation of Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and In Vivo Antioxidant Properties of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. in Type 1 Diabetic Rats: An Identification of Possible Biomarkers

The present investigation was aimed to study the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and in vivo antioxidant properties of the root of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced type 1 diabetic rats. Administration of ethanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus root (EESIR) 100 and 200 mg/kg to the STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant (P < .01) reduction in blood glucose and increase in body weight compared to diabetic control rats. Both the doses of EESIR-treated diabetic rats showed significant (P < .01) alteration in elevated lipid profile levels than diabetic control rats. The EESIR treatment in diabetic rats produced significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels than diabetic control rats. Administration of EESIR 200 mg/kg produced significant (P < .01) higher antioxidant activity than EESIR 100 mg/kg. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of EESIR revealed the presence of biomarkers gallic acid and quercetin. In conclusion, EESIR possess antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and in vivo antioxidant activity in type 1 diabetic rats. Its antioxidant and lipid lowering effect will help to prevent diabetic complications, and these actions are possibly due to presence of above biomarkers.

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.

Anti-obesity effects of Juniperus chinensis extract are associated with increased AMP-activated protein kinase expression and phosphorylation in the visceral adipose tissue of rats

This study evaluates the protective effect of Juniperus chinensis hot water extract (JCE) against high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its molecular mechanisms in the visceral adipose tissue of rats. JCE supplementation significantly lowered body weight gain, visceral fat-pad weights, blood lipid levels, and blood insulin and leptin levels of rats rendered obese by an HFD. Feeding with JCE significantly reversed the HFD-induced down-regulation of the epididymal adipose tissue genes implicated in adipogenesis, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma2 (PPARgamma2), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR), as well as those involved in uncoupled respiration, such as the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). Dietary supplementation with JCE also reversed the HFD-induced decreases in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) expressions at both the mRNA and protein levels and restored the HFD-induced inhibitions in the AMPK and ACC2 phosphorylation, which are related to fatty acid beta-oxidation, in the epididymal adipose tissue. This study reports, for the first time, that the JCE can have an anti-obesity effect in a rodent model with HFD-induced obesity through an enhanced gene transcription of the uncoupling protein as well as an elevated AMPK protein expression and phosphorylation in the visceral adipose tissue.