An inventory of the ethnobotanicals used as anti-diabetic by a rural community of Dhemaji district of Assam, Northeast India

Phytochemical Screening, Quantification, FT-IR Analysis, and In Silico Characterization of Potential Bio-active Compounds Identified in HR-LC/MS Analysis of the Polyherbal Formulation from Northeast India

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, leading to many undesirable health consequences. There are many herbal formulations, traditionally used by the Northeast Indian population for disease management. These formulations require scientific validations to optimize their efficacy and increase their popularity. In this study, we attempt to scientifically validate a polyherbal formulation traditionally used for the management of diabetes through preliminary phytochemicals investigation, characterization of potential phytochemicals using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS) analysis, and in silico characterization of physiochemical, drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic properties of identified phytochemical compounds. Qualitative phytochemical screening of various extracts of the formulation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenols and tannins, flavonoids, fats, and oils. Phytochemical quantification of the various extracts showed that the highest total phenolic content is present in the ethanolic extract (35.61 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g), while the highest total flavonoid content is present in the chloroform extract (76.33 ± 2.96 mg QE/g) of the formulation. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed various characteristic band values with various functional groups in the formulation extract such as amines, alcohol, fluoro compounds, phenol, alkane, alkene, and conjugated acid groups. HR-LC/MS analyses identified nearly 51 compounds including 9 small peptides and 42 potential phytochemical compounds. In silico SwissADME analysis of identified compounds revealed 25 potential compounds following Lipinski's rule and showing drug-like characteristics, and out of them, 16 compounds exhibited good oral bioavailability, as revealed in the bioavailability radar. The overall study showed that the presented polyherbal formulation is enriched with bio-active phytochemical compounds with good pharmaceutical values.

Pretreatment of hydroethanolic extract of Dillenia indica L. attenuates oleic acid induced NAFLD in HepG2 cells via modulating SIRT-1/p-LKB-1/AMPK, HMGCR & PPAR-α signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dillenia indica L. is an edible plant from the Dilleniaceae family present in the forest of India and other Asian countries. Different parts of this plant are being used in the traditional system of medicines for various diseases like diabetes, indigestion, asthma, jaundice, and rheumatic pain by various rural communities. This plant is very common among Khamptis traditional healers, the rural community of the Dhemaji district of Assam, ethnic communities of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve of Northeast, India for various medicinal uses. It is observed as a 'vat' suppressant and 'pitta' boosting medicine in Ayurveda.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of Dillenia indica leaf (DI-HET) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as it is reported effective against jaundice in traditional medicine. We are also planning to see the various molecular mechanisms responsible for its effect if it is efficacious.

STUDY DESIGN/METHOD

An in vitro model for NAFLD was employed in this study. For this HepG2 cells were incubated with 100 μM of oleic acid (OA) for 24 h. For evaluation of the effect of DI-HET, the extracts (5 or 10 μg/mL) were pretreated to the OA group. Fenofibrate was the positive control. Various parameters relevant to lipogenesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids like intracellular lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial stress, and key proteins were studied.

RESULTS

DI-HET significantly reduced the intracellular lipid accumulation in OA treated cells. And also substantially decreased the expression of lipogenic proteins and increased β-oxidation in the OA group. OA induced ROS generation was found to reduce with DI-HET treatment. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of LXR-α, SREBP-1C, SREBP-2, HMGCR, FAS, CD-36, and ACOX-1 were downregulated while that of SIRT-1, p-LKB-, p-AMPK, p-ACC, CPT-1, and PPAR-α upregulated in DI-HET treatment. LCMS/MS analysis showed the presence of polyphenols like naringenin, catechin, epicatechin, shikimic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, and kaempferol.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that DI-HET is effective against NAFLD by activation of the SIRT-1/p-LKB-1/AMPK signaling pathway via polyphenols present in the extract.

Evaluation of clinical trials for natural products used in diabetes: An evidence-based systemic literature review

BACKGROUND RELEVANCE

A plethora of literature is available regarding the clinical trials for natural products however; no information is available for critical assessments of the quality of these clinical trials.

AIM OF STUDY

This is a first time report to critically evaluate the efficacy, safety and large scale applications of up-to-date clinical trials for diabetes, based on the three scales of Jadad, Delphi, and Cochrane.

METHODOLOGY

An in-depth and extensive literature review was performed using various databases, journals, and books. The keywords searched included, "clinical trials," "clinical trial in diabetes," "diabetes," "natural products in diabetes," "ethnopharmacological relevance of natural products in diabetes," etc.

RESULTS

Based on eligibility criteria, 16 plants with 74 clinical trials were found and evaluated. Major drawbacks observed were; "non-randomization and blindness of the studies," "non-blindness of patients/healthcare/outcome assessors," "lack of patient compliance and co-intervention reports," "missing information regarding drop-out/withdrawal procedures," and "inappropriate baseline characteristics." Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation revealed four components with %variability; PC1: 23.12, PC2: 15.83, PC3: 13.11, and PC4: 11.38 (P ≤ .000). According to descriptive statistics, "non-blinding of outcome assessors" was the major drawback (82%) whereas, "not mentioning the timing of outcome assessment" was observed lowest (6.8%). An in-house quality grading (scale 0-24) classified these clinical trials as; poor (67.6%), acceptable (19.9%), and good quality trials (13.5%).

CONCLUSION

Proper measures in terms of more strict regulations with pharmacovigilance of plants are utmost needed in order to achieve quality compliance of clinical trials.

Exploring the Cytotoxic Effects of the Extracts and Bioactive Triterpenoids from Dillenia indica against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scientific Interpretation and Validation of Indigenous Knowledge

Triterpenoids are ubiquitously distributed secondary metabolites, primarily scrutinized as a source of medication and preventive measures for various chronic diseases. The ease of isolation and excellent pharmacological properties of triterpenoids are notable reasons behind the exponential rise of extensive research on the bioactive triterpenoids over the past few decades. Herein, we attempted to explore the anticancer potential of the fruit extract of the ethnomedicinal plant Dillenia indica against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and have exclusively attributed the efficacy of the extracts to the presence of two triterpenoids, namely, betulinic acid (BA) and koetjapic acid (KA). Preliminary in vitro screening of both BA and KA unveiled that the entities could impart cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in OSCC cell lines, which were further well-supported by virtual screening based on ligand binding affinity and molecular dynamic simulations. Additionally, the aforementioned metabolites could significantly modulate the critical players such as Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways involved in the regulation of important hallmarks of cancer like cell survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The present findings provide insight and immense scientific support and integrity to a piece of indigenous knowledge. However, in vivo validation is a requisite for moving to clinical trials and developing it as a commercial drug.

Anil Kumar N, Sharopov F, Ramírez-Alarcón K, Ruiz-Ortega A, Abdulmajid Ayatollahi S, Valere Tsouh Fokou P, Kobarfard F, Amiruddin Zakaria Z, Iriti M, Taheri Y, Martorell M, Sureda A, N. Setzer W, Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Santini A, Capasso R, Adrian Ostrander E, -ur-Rahman A, Iqbal Choudhary M, C. Cho W, Sharifi-Rad J. Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Active Components

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.

Medicinal plants brought by Indian indentured immigrants: A comparative review of ethnopharmacological uses between Mauritius and India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mauritius is famous for its floricultural diversity and traditions practiced across the island by various ethnic groups. During the British rule in the 1835s, Indian indentured labourers migrated to Mauritius and played a very important role in shaping the Mauritian culture. They brought along their high heritage of traditional knowledge of certain medicinal herbs and spices. Nonetheless, there has been no comparative study to investigate whether these past traditional knowledge are still preserved in Mauritius and India.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To document and compare the traditional uses of medicinal herbs and spices brought by Indian indentured labourers with their current uses in Mauritius and India, and to review pharmacological studies of such plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Locally published textbooks, research dissertations, and relevant records from the 'Mauritiana' section of the University of Mauritius library were scrutinised for possible early records of such herbs and spices brought by Indian indentured immigrants. Field trips and site visits to Mauritius Herbarium and The National Folk Museum were conducted to gather data on their traditional uses as practiced by the Indian indentured immigrants. A literature search was performed to gather the current ethnomedicinal uses of these plants in Mauritius and India using key databases such as ScienceDirect and PubMed, as well as thesis from local university website. Pharmacological studies on these plants were also reviewed in an attempt to compare the ethnomedicinal uses against reported ailments.

RESULTS

Indian labourers brought 18 medicinal plants for medicinal purposes as documented at the folk museum of Indian Immigration. Piper betle L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., and Curcuma longa L. were common plants used by Indian indentured immigrants against a wide range of ailments. Data obtained from recent ethnomedicinal surveys revealed that A. indica and C. longa were the most traditionally used plants in India, while in Mauritius, C. longa was the most popular plant followed by Allium sativum L. and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. It was also found that all these plants are currently being used against a wide range of diseases in both countries. In addition, several studies have highlighted the pharmacological properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, and anti-diabetic for some plants.

CONCLUSION

This investigation can be considered as a first attempt to document and compare traditional knowledge of medicinal plants brought by Indian immigrants. We observed that some of these knowledge are preserved and still practiced in Mauritius. It is anticipated that this study will revive the interest in safeguarding and promoting the ancestral knowledge on the uses of such plants.

Effects of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth. (Rubiaceae) Leaves on Metabolic and Inflammatory Dysfunction Induced by High Refined Carbohydrate-Containing Diet in Mice

Obesity is characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been shown to be involved in the development of comorbidities such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and liver damage. Phytochemicals found in plants may modulate inflammation and improve health problems associated with the excess of adiposity. Teas prepared with many plants are used in Brazil for losing weight. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth. on metabolic and inflammatory disarrangement induced by high refined carbohydrate (HC)-containing diet in mice. BALB/c mice were fed with chow or HC diet for 8 weeks. After this period, the HC diet was supplemented for 4 weeks with three different doses, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg, of crude extract of R. viburnoides. Ethanol extract at the lowest dose (40 mg/kg) reduced adipocyte size, and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. A lower concentration of proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and CCL2 in the liver and adipose tissue, and reduced levels of cholesterol and resistin in the serum were also observed. High concentrations of chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and the flavonoids, rutin and quercetin, were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector. Therefore, these data confirm the potential of R. viburnoides leaves as nutraceutical agents for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory changes associated with obesity.

A role of Ficus species in the management of diabetes mellitus: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common global health concerns, with a rapidly increasing incidence. A variety of medicinal plants, particularly those belonging to the genus Ficus (Moraceae), and their active compounds have been used to treat diabetes and related chronic disorders since ancient times.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this review is to provide information regarding traditional and scientific knowledge of Ficus species with antidiabetic activity to researchers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted to obtain information about the antidiabetic properties of Ficus from the electronic databases. Common and scientific names of various Ficus species were used as keywords for the search, along with the terms antidiabetic, hypoglycemic and diabetes.

RESULTS

Among the assorted species of Ficus that were included in our search, F. benghalensis, F. carica, F. glomerata, F. glumosa, F. racemosa, and F. religiosa exhibited remarkable antidiabetic properties with various mechanisms of action. Moreover, Ficus species are versatile sources of bioactive metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, triterpenoids, sterols and vitamin E. These extracts and isolated compounds significantly have enhanced insulin secretion and subsequently reduced blood glucose level in various in vivo studies.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the antidiabetic potentials of the genus Ficus, including pharmacological studies with mechanisms of action as well as ethnobotanical uses. This review can help inform future scientific research towards the development of novel antidiabetic drugs.

Chromane isolated from leaves of Dillenia indica improves the neuronal dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to the Indian traditional medicine, Dillenia indica L. has shown therapeutic efficacy in various diseases. Fruits and leaves of the plant possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Reactive oxygen species, formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of D. indica and its isolate, chromane (CR), on thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, allodynia, MNCV and oxidative-nitrosative stress in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin (STZ; 65mg/kg) for the development of diabetic neuropathy. Chronic treatment with DAE (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) and CR (5 and 10mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days was started from the 60th day of STZ administration. Development of neuropathy was evident from a marked hyperalgesia and allodynia; reduced MNCV associated with increased formation of AGEs and reactive oxygen species.

RESULTS

significantly attenuated behavioral and biochemical changes associated with diabetic neuropathy. Present study suggested that DAE and CR ameliorated hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathic pain via modulation of oxidative-nitrosative stress and reduction in AGEs formation in the diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

Thus D. indica might be beneficial in chronic diabetics, ameliorate the progression of diabetic neuropathy and may also find application in diabetic neuropathic pain.

Dillenia indica L. attenuates diabetic nephropathy via inhibition of advanced glycation end products accumulation in STZ-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

The present study was aimed to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) inhibitory activity of alcohol and hydro-alcohol extract (DAE and DHE) of Dillenia indica L. (Family: Dilleniaceae) and its potential in treatment of diabetic nephropathy by targeting markers of oxidative stress. D. indica was evaluated for its in vitro inhibitory activity against formation of AGEs by using bovine serum albumin. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min after nicotinamide (230 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Diabetic rats were treated with different doses of extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) to analyze their nephroprotective effect. Tissue antioxidant enzymes level was measured along with the formation of AGEs in kidney to assess the effect of D. indica in ameliorating oxidative stress. D. indica showed significant inhibition of AGEs formation in vitro. D. indica produced significant attenuation in the glycemic status, renal parameter, lipid profile and level of antioxidant enzymes proving efficacy in diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, D. indica produced significant reduction in the formation of AGEs in kidneys. The present study concludes that D. indica as a possible therapeutic agent against diabetic nephropathy.

Medicinal uses, chemistry and pharmacology of Dillenia species (Dilleniaceae)

The genus Dillenia is comprised of about 100 species of evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubs of disjunct distribution in the seasonal tropics of Madagascar through South and South East Asia, Malaysia, North Australia, and Fiji. Species from this genus have been widely used in medicinal folklore to treat cancers, wounds, jaundice, fever, cough, diabetes mellitus, and diarrhea as well as hair tonics. The plants of the genus also produce edible fruits and are cultivated as ornamental plants. Flavonoids, triterpenoids, and miscellaneous compounds have been identified in the genus. Their extracts and pure compounds have been reported for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antidiabetes, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, and antiprotozoal activities. Mucilage from their fruits is used in drug formulations.

Cytoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of an Edible Herb, Enhydra fluctuans Lour. (Asteraceae), against Experimentally Induced Lead Acetate Intoxication

Background

Enhydra fluctuans Lour. (Asteraceae), an edible aquatic herb, is traditionally employed against toxic effects of heavy metals in India. The present study was planned to discover the protective effect of edible extract of E. fluctuans (AEEF) against Pb toxicity.

Methods

The cytoprotective role of AEEF was determined on murine hepatocytes employing MTT assay and Hoechst staining. The effects on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, endogenous redox systems and the transcription levels of apoptotic proteins were studied after incubating the hepatocytes with AEEF (400 μg/ml) + Pb-acetate (6.8 μM). The defensive role of AEEF (100 mg/kg) against Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) intoxication was measured in mice by in vivo assays. Biochemical, haematological and histological parameters, intracellular Pb burden and redox status were measured.

Results

AEEF exhibited a concentration dependent cytoprotective effect against Pb-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Pb-acetate incubation significantly (p < 0.01) altered the extents of ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation ↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ in vitro. Besides, Pb-acetate significantly (p < 0.01) induced apoptosis in the hepatocytes apparent from the altered expressions of apoptotic proteins viz. Apaf-1 ↑, Bad ↑, Bcl-2 ↓, Cyt C ↑, cleaved caspases↑, Bid ↑ and Fas ↑. However, AEEF (400 μg/ml) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) attenuate the Pb-acetate mediated toxic manifestation in vitro. In in vivo assay, Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) treated mice exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) high intracellular Pb content. A high Pb-burden within the tissues caused significant (p < 0.05–0.01) patho-physiological alterations viz. ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, DNA fragmentation ↑, ATP formation ↑, mitochondrial co-enzymes Q ↓, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ within the selected tissues. The haematological and serum biochemical parameters were significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) different in the Pb-acetate treated mice. Finally, histological assessment imposed significant toxic occurrence within the organs of Pb-intoxicated animals. However, concurrent administration of AEEF (100 mg/kg) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) reinstate the Pb-acetate mediated toxicity.

Conclusion

Presence of metal chelators and phyto-antioxidants within AEEF would offer overall protection through promoting Pb clearance coupled with restoring redox balance.

Traditional management of diabetes in Pakistan: Ethnobotanical investigation from Traditional Health Practitioners

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The uses of anti-diabetic plants are well anchored in the traditional health care system of Pakistan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ethno-botanical study about the uses of plants for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the study is to record indigenous knowledge on anti-diabetic plants from Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) and diabetic patients. In addition, it is aimed to ascertain and validate the traditional uses of anti-diabetic plants by citing pharmacological activities and phytochemical constitutes from previously published literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethno-medicinal data was documented during 14 field surveys, each comprising of 10 days, from 3 regions of Pakistan (Islamabad, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and Deserts of Sindh). In total, 113 THPs and 44 diabetic patients were interviewed using open-ended and semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation percentage (RFC %) and Disease Consensus Index (DCI) were calculated. The documented data is authenticated by comparing with 28 published articles on ethno-botanical aspects and many pharmacological studies.

RESULTS

In total, 120 plant species belonging to 50 families were reported. The ethno-botanical results indicated that Moraceae (11 species); herb (56 reports) is dominant life form; the leaves (56 reports) are the most used plant part and decoction (24%) is the preferred mode of preparation. The quantitative analysis shows that RFC% ranges from 14 to 42 and DCI varies from 0.15 to 0.74. By comparing to previous studies, 64 species are reported new in traditional treatment of DM; 40 species are new to pharmacological evidence and 3 species are new to phytochemical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study recoded the significant indigenous knowledge about anti-diabetic plants among the THPs and diabetic patients in Pakistan. This type of ethno-botanical knowledge on traditional use of anti-diabetic plants is an important step in designing detailed pharmacological and clinical trials for Diabetes Miletus treatment. It is recommended that further pharmacological and phytochemical analysis should be conducted on those species which lack previous references in literature and have highest Frequency of Citation (FC), Disease Consensus Index (DCI) and Relative Frequency of Citation percentage (RFC%).

An ethnobotanical survey of antidiabetic plants used by Hausa-Fulani tribes in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sokoto is known for its diverse traditional medicinal wealth and international market of traditional medicines in Africa. However, information of the folk knowledge, especially for the treatment of diabetes, is not documented.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This survey identified and documented the information on traditional medicinal plants used by Hausa-Fulani community of Sokoto for the treatment of diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Demographic data and information about the medicinal plants were collected via administration of semi-structured oral questionnaires. Willing herbal medical practitioners/traditional healers were interviewed. The medicinal plants mentioned by herbalists were collected and authenticated by a taxonomist and the voucher specimens were preserved.

RESULTS

Fifty one informants across the state divulged information on traditional medicinal plants and practices used in diabetes and revealed 54 species, belonging to 33 families, with Cassia sieberiana being cited the most (19 times) and ranked first (39%). Azadirachta indica, Ficus exasperata and Schwenckia americana ranked second (15%), each cited 8 times.

CONCLUSION

The survey documented the rich wealth of knowledge and usage of plants for the treatment of diabetes in Sokoto. The paper will not only serve as a source of information but will also help to make the knowledge accessible for further drug screening and development, and at the same time underlines the need for biodiversity conservation of this traditional wealth.

Dillenia species: A review of the traditional uses, active constituents and pharmacological properties from pre-clinical studies

CONTEXT

Dillenia (Dilleniaceae) is a genus of about 100 species of flowering plants in tropical and subtropical trees of Southern Asia, Australasia, and the Indian Ocean Islands. Until now, only eight Dillenia species have been reported to be used traditionally in different countries for various medical purposes. Out of eight species, D. pentagyna (Roxb), D. indica (Linn.) and D. suffruticosa (Griffith Ex. Hook. F. & Thomsom Martelli) have been reported to be used to treat cancerous growth.

OBJECTIVE

The present review explored and provided information on the therapeutic potential of Dillenia species.

METHODS

Comprehensive and relevant literature on the therapeutic potential of Dillenia species was gathered through electronic databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and books, without limiting the dates of publication.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The review demonstrated that only a few Dillenia species have been proven scientifically for their therapeutic potential in pre-clinical studies, including D. pentagyna, D. indica, D. papuana (Martelli), D. meliosmifolia (Hook. F. Ex. Thomsom) and D. suffruticosa (Griffith Ex Hook. F. & Thomson). A few species of Dillenia have undergone isolation and characterization of compounds with lupeol and betulinic acids having tremendous pharmacological potential. Dillenia species warrant further studies on their therapeutic potential, which may eventually lead to the development of new drug candidates for treatment of various diseases.

Ethnomedicinal application of native remedies used against diabetes and related complications in Mauritius

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Notoriously, the tropical island of Mauritius has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes worldwide and the economic burden associated with it is alarming. The use of native remedies (NRs) is well anchored in the local culture and it continues to be the cornerstone of therapy for diabetic patients. However, there is currently a dearth of updated primary data on NRs used by Mauritians against diabetes and diabetes related complications (DRCs). This study was therefore designed to record, analyze and document orally transmitted ethnopharmacological knowledge from diabetic patients and traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Mauritius concerning NRs commonly used against diabetes and DRCs which might open new avenues to initiate novel antidiabetic drugs discovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected following interviews from diabetic patients (n=328) and TMPs (n=20). Eleven quantitative indexes, namely informant consensus factor (FIC), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of agreement on remedies (IAR), cultural agreement index (CAI), quality use value (QUV), quality use agreement value (QUAV) and ethnobotanicity index (EI) were calculated. Statistical analysis such as Pearson correlation and Chi-squared test were performed to determine any association.

RESULTS

A total of 111 plant species distributed over 56 families, 30 polyherbal formulations and 16 animal species were documented to be traditionally used against diabetes and DRCs. For the first time 8 endemic plants have been recorded to be used against diabetes and DRCs from Mauritius. The most encountered medicinal plant family was Asteraceae. According to the EI, 16.2% of the native plants in Mauritius were used against diabetes and DRCs. As far as we know, Vangueria madagascariensis, Apium graveolens, Petroselinum crispum and Rubus alceifolius with high RFC values are recorded against diabetes and DRCs for the first time. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, income, religious belief, education and residence) were found to significantly (p<0.05) influence the use of NRs. The average FIC for all ailments for plant and animal products were 0.94 and 0.87 respectively. Bryophyllum pinnatum, a native plant to Mauritius scored a high FL value (100%) used against diabetic neuropathy, Allium sativum had the highest RI value (2.00) due to its versatility, Aloe vera had the highest RFC (0.61), the CII (0.640) and the highest CAI value (0.635), Psidium guajava had the highest QUAV (0.961) which indicates its high bioactivity and Allium cepa was reported as the most effective plant species (QUV=0.965). According to UV, the most important species was Morinda citrifolia (1.21). Panoply of animal products were reported whereby fish (39.7%) was recorded as the most utilised zootherapy and Salmo salar scored the highest FL (100%) for diabetes. Some animal species (n=14) not previously documented against diabetes and DRCs are reported in the present study.

CONCLUSION

Our present investigation revealed that the use of NRs constitutes the common legacy of Mauritians and despite the penetration of allopathic medicine; NRs continue to play a crucial role in the primary health care system of Mauritius. To this effect, it is of uttermost importance to record this knowledge before it disappears. In addition, further experimental investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the reported medicinal flora and fauna of Mauritius.

Underestimating the toxicological challenges associated with the use of herbal medicinal products in developing countries

Various reports suggest a high contemporaneous prevalence of herb-drug use in both developed and developing countries. The World Health Organisation indicates that 80% of the Asian and African populations rely on traditional medicine as the primary method for their health care needs. Since time immemorial and despite the beneficial and traditional roles of herbs in different communities, the toxicity and herb-drug interactions that emanate from this practice have led to severe adverse effects and fatalities. As a result of the perception that herbal medicinal products have low risk, consumers usually disregard any association between their use and any adverse reactions hence leading to underreporting of adverse reactions. This is particularly common in developing countries and has led to a paucity of scientific data regarding the toxicity and interactions of locally used traditional herbal medicine. Other factors like general lack of compositional and toxicological information of herbs and poor quality of adverse reaction case reports present hurdles which are highly underestimated by the population in the developing world. This review paper addresses these toxicological challenges and calls for natural health product regulations as well as for protocols and guidance documents on safety and toxicity testing of herbal medicinal products.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Bangladeshi traditional health practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There is very limited information regarding plants used by traditional healers for treating diabetes in Bangladesh, let alone compilation on the use of those. This study aimed at collecting and documenting information on antidiabetic plants traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The survey was carried out in a period of almost 2 years. Fieldwork was undertaken in total of 15 districts of Bangladesh. Open-ended and semi structured questionnaire were used to interview a total of 1060 people including traditional healers, Ayurvedic/Unani drug manufacturers and local people.

RESULTS

A total of 83 plant species of 38 families were listed. Leaves were the most cited plant part used against diabetes. Most of the reported species were tree in nature and decoction is the mode of preparation of major portions of the plant species. Most of the plant species were very common and were cultivated or planted in homestead or roadsides.

CONCLUSION

Conventional use of many antidiabetic plants of Bangladesh can be rationalized by the presence of active compounds found in those plants. The documentation could be important for the conservation of these plants and represent the preliminary information required for future phytochemical investigation.