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Hernandez-Mixteco M, Bernal-Morales B, Valenzuela OL, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Cerna-Cortes JF, García-Montalvo EA. Effect of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on glutathione level and glycosylated hemoglobin percentage in a Mexican rural population with type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117924. [PMID: 38369067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) because it has been attributed with antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties in different experimental models and T2D patients. An imbalance in physiological glutathione (GSH) concentrations increases the susceptibility to developing complications associated with oxidative stress in T2D patients. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effect of C. ficifolia on the antioxidant properties of GSH, general health measurements, and biochemical parameters in a Mexican rural population, and to evaluate the changes in socio-affective scores of patients due to improvement in T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven women diagnosed with T2D with poor glycemic control volunteered and were divided into two groups: C. ficifolia (0.5 g/kg of fresh pulp weight) with hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy, and another group with only hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy, for 12 weeks. We evaluated the effect of the fresh pulp of C. ficifolia on body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and GSH. Expanding the study, we evaluated the quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores before and after the intervention. RESULTS Treatment with the fresh pulp of C. ficifolia for 12 weeks reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, similar to the hypoglycemic pharmacotherapy group, and significantly increased GSH concentrations. The patients' moods did not change despite increased GSH concentrations and improved T2D control. CONCLUSIONS The increased GSH concentrations due to the consumption of fresh pulp of C. ficifolia could help to protect against oxidative stress and extend therapeutic benefits in addition to the usual hypoglycemic drugs in patients with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Hernandez-Mixteco
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Blandina Bernal-Morales
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Torres-Vanda M, Gutiérrez-Aguilar R. Mexican Plants Involved in Glucose Homeostasis and Body Weight Control: Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:2070. [PMID: 37432178 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, provoking many different diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic-degenerative disease characterized by increased blood glucose levels. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are currently considered public health problems, and their prevalence has increased over the last few years. Because of the high cost involved in the treatment of both diseases, different alternatives have been sought. However, the general population uses medicinal plants, in the form of tea or infusions, to treat different diseases. Therefore, traditional medicine using medicinal plants has been investigated as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes and body weight control. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to find medicinal plants used in Mexico that could exert their beneficial effect by regulating insulin secretion and body weight control. MATERIAL AND METHOD For the development of this review, Mexican plants used in traditional medicine to treat type 2 diabetes and body weight control were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria include plants that presented a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and/or an increase in insulin secretion. RESULTS We found 306 Mexican plants with hypoglycemic effects. However, plants that did not show evidence of an increase in insulin secretion were eliminated. Finally, only five plants were included in this review: Momordica charantia L. (melón amargo), Cucurbita ficifolia bouché (chilacayote), Coriandrum sativum L. (cilantro), Persea americana Mill. (aguacate) Bidens pilosa (amor seco), including 39 articles in total. Here, we summarized the plant extracts (aqueous and organic) that have previously been reported to present hypoglycemic effects, body weight control, increased secretion and sensitivity of insulin, improvement of pancreatic β cells, and glucose tolerance. Additionally, these effects may be due to different bioactive compounds present in the plants' extracts. CONCLUSION Both in vivo and in vitro studies are required to understand the mechanism of action of these plant extracts regarding insulin secretion to be used as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes and body weight control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Torres-Vanda
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Metabólicas: Obesidad y Diabetes, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Ruth Gutiérrez-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Metabólicas: Obesidad y Diabetes, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez", Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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3
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Huerta-Reyes M, Tavera-Hernández R, Alvarado-Sansininea JJ, Jiménez-Estrada M. Selected Species of the Cucurbitaceae Family Used in Mexico for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Molecules 2022; 27:3440. [PMID: 35684376 PMCID: PMC9182361 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In Mexico, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious health problem, and although the current pharmacological treatments for DM such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics are available, the Mexican population continues to use medicinal plants in the treatment of DM. The antidiabetic properties of the plant species that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family has already been recognized worldwide. Since Mexico is one of the most important centers of diversity of Cucurbitaceae, the present work contributes to the review of the most used species of Cucurbitaceae in the treatment of DM in Mexico. The reviewed species (Cucurbita ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, Ibervillea sonorae, Sechium edule, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, and C. sativus) revealed that the antidiabetic effects exerted are effective in a number of mechanisms involved in the complex pathogenesis of DM: hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, protective effects on diverse organs and cells, as well as in the control of dyslipidemias; furthermore, the select species of the Cucurbitaceae family could also be essential components of diets for the control of DM in patients with the disease. Thus, the Cucurbitaceae species selected in the present work represent a source of antidiabetic agents that perhaps establish the bases for novel clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Huerta-Reyes
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Nefrológicas, Hospital de Especialidades “Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez”, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico
| | - Rosario Tavera-Hernández
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (R.T.-H.); (M.J.-E.)
| | - J. Javier Alvarado-Sansininea
- Herbario FEZA, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Batalla de 5 de Mayo S/N, Col. Ejército de Oriente, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico;
| | - Manuel Jiménez-Estrada
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (R.T.-H.); (M.J.-E.)
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4
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Malviya R, Sharma A. Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Applications of Cucurbita. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401316999200819131300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aim:
The present review aims to discuss the therapeutic potential and pharmaceutical applications
of the Cucurbita plant.
Methods:
Various search engines such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google Patents,
etc. were used for the literature survey.
Discussion:
During the literature survey, it was observed that different parts of the Cucurbita species
have significant therapeutic effects against disease conditions. They have antimicrobial, antifungal,
antiviral, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, etc., activities. Studies also
showed that various pharmaceutical formulations have been prepared for the delivery of therapeutic
active ingredients of cucurbits. A list of patents based on pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic
activity has also been included in the manuscript.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded from the findings that Cucurbita has significant therapeutic potential,
clinical effects and can be used to treat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No. 02, Sector 17-A, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No. 02, Sector 17-A, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Salehi B, Quispe C, Sharifi-Rad J, Giri L, Suyal R, Jugran AK, Zucca P, Rescigno A, Peddio S, Bobiş O, Moise AR, Leyva-Gómez G, Del Prado-Audelo ML, Cortes H, Iriti M, Martorell M, Cruz-Martins N, Kumar M, Zam W. Antioxidant potential of family Cucurbitaceae with special emphasis on Cucurbita genus: A key to alleviate oxidative stress-mediated disorders. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3533-3557. [PMID: 33590924 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accumulation and the ability of a biological system to clear these reactive products. This imbalance leads to cell and tissue damage causing several disorders in human body, such as neurodegeneration, metabolic problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Cucurbitaceae family consists of about 100 genera and 1,000 species of plants including mostly tropical, annual or perennial, monoecious, and dioecious herbs. The plants from Cucurbita species are rich sources of phytochemicals and act as a rich source of antioxidants. The most important phytochemicals present in the cucurbits are cucurbitacins, saponins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and polyphenols. These bioactive phyto-constituents are responsible for the pharmacological effects including antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, diuretic, anti-ulcer activity, and antigenotoxic. A wide number of in vitro and in vivo studies have ascribed these health-promoting effects of Cucurbita genus. Results of clinical trials suggest that Cucurbita provides health benefits for diabetic patients, patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, infertile women, postmenopausal women, and stress urinary incontinence in women. The intend of the present review is to focus on the protective role of Cucurbita spp. phytochemicals on oxidative stress-related disorders on the basis of preclinical and human studies. The review will also give insights on the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the Cucurbitaceae family as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Salehi
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cristina Quispe
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Lalit Giri
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Renu Suyal
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Arun K Jugran
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Paolo Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cagliari, University Campus, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescigno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cagliari, University Campus, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefania Peddio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cagliari, University Campus, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Otilia Bobiş
- Life Science Institute, Apiculture and Sericulture Department, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adela Ramona Moise
- Life Science Institute, Apiculture and Sericulture Department, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María L Del Prado-Audelo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hernán Cortes
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan State University, Milan, Italy
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR - Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Wissam Zam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Al-Wadi International University, Homs, Syria
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Moya-Hernández A, Bosquez-Molina E, Verde-Calvo JR, Blancas-Flores G, Trejo-Aguilar GM. Hypoglycemic effect and bioactive compounds associated with the ripening stages of the Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2020; 100:5171-5181. [PMID: 32530046 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fruit of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché is known in Mexico as 'chilacayote'. The scientific interest that C. ficifolia Bouché has acquired is due to its important hypoglycemic effect. The present research aimed (i) to discover whether this hypoglycemic property is present at different stages of development of this fruit, and (ii) to characterize some bioactive compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Ethylene production, respiration rate, and maturity indices were determined during fruit development. The chemical characterization of the aqueous extracts of each stage of maturity studied was determined and their hypoglycemic effects were bioassayed using groups of normal mice with diabetes induced by streptozotocin at a dose of 500 mg-1 kg-1 body weight. RESULTS Respiration rate and ethylene production showed a typical pattern for non-climacteric fruit and the quality parameters did not show significant changes. Phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to have the highest concentration at 15 days of development. Extracts at 15 days showed a hypoglycemic effect that was 11% greater than that of glibenclamide in diabetized mice. CONCLUSION All stages of development of C. ficifolia fruit had a hypoglycemic effect; however, the aqueous extract from the fruit at 15 days of development showed a better effect than glibenclamide. This finding highlights the potential of this maturity stage, and shows that it is appropriate for inclusion in treatments of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results also indicate that phenolic compounds are mainly responsible for this effect and not d-chiro-inositol as previously thought. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Moya-Hernández
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elsa Bosquez-Molina
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Ramón Verde-Calvo
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Blancas-Flores
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Molecules Isolated from Mexican Hypoglycemic Plants: A Review. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184145. [PMID: 32927754 PMCID: PMC7571036 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Like in many developing countries, in Mexico, the use of medicinal plants is a common practice. Based on our own field experience, there are at least 800 plants used for treating diabetes nowadays. Thus, their investigation is essential. In this context, this work aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of the molecules isolated from Mexican hypoglycemic plants, including their source and target tested. In the last few years, some researchers have focused on the study of Mexican hypoglycemic plants. Most works describe the hypoglycemic effect or the mechanism of action of the whole extract, as well as the phytochemical profile of the tested extract. Herein, we analyzed 85 studies encompassing 40 hypoglycemic plants and 86 active compounds belonging to different classes of natural products: 28 flavonoids, 25 aromatic compounds, other than flavonoids, four steroids, 23 terpenoids, 4 oligosaccharides, and 1 polyalcohol. These compounds have shown to inhibit α-glucosidases, increase insulin secretion levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and block hepatic glucose output. Almost half of these molecules are not common metabolites, with a narrow taxonomic distribution, which makes them more interesting as lead molecules. Altogether, this analysis provides a necessary inventory useful for future testing of these active molecules against different hypoglycemic targets, to get a better insight into the already described mechanisms, and overall, to contribute to the knowledge of Mexican medicinal plants.
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8
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Abbas HMK, Huang HX, Huang WJ, Xue SD, Yan SJ, Wu TQ, Li JX, Zhong YJ. Evaluation of Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity in Pumpkin Species. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20920983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbita species ( Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima) are rich sources of nutrients, especially carotenoids and carbohydrates. Metabolites in pulps of C. moschata and C. maxima lines were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results revealed that glucose and sucrose were the dominant sugars in C. maxima and C. moschata, respectively. A correlation was found between Brix percentage and sucrose levels as compared with glucose and fructose. A greater amount of myo-inositol had accumulated in C. moschata lines compared with C. maxima. Conversely, total carotenoids and antioxidant activity were found to be higher in C. maxima lines than in C. moschata. A strong correlation of glucose, fructose, and sucrose with β-carotene and violaxanthin revealed that it will be difficult to develop pumpkin cultivars with both high inositol and carotenoid levels. In conclusion, the composition of carbohydrates and carotenoids was more diverse in C. moschata lines than in C. maxima lines. Our results will contribute to a better understanding of metabolite changes in the fruits of these as well as other pumpkin species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Muhammad Khalid Abbas
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - He-Xun Huang
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jie Huang
- Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Dan Xue
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Juan Yan
- Agro-biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Ting-Quan Wu
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Xing Li
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhong
- Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
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9
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Salehi B, Capanoglu E, Adrar N, Catalkaya G, Shaheen S, Jaffer M, Giri L, Suyal R, Jugran AK, Calina D, Docea AO, Kamiloglu S, Kregiel D, Antolak H, Pawlikowska E, Sen S, Acharya K, Selamoglu Z, Sharifi-Rad J, Martorell M, Rodrigues CF, Sharopov F, Martins N, Capasso R. Cucurbits Plants: A Key Emphasis to Its Pharmacological Potential. Molecules 2019; 24:1854. [PMID: 31091784 PMCID: PMC6572650 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbita genus has received a renowned interest in the last years. This plant species, native to the Americas, has served worldwide folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal parasites, among other clinical conditions. These pharmacological effects have been increasingly correlated with their nutritional and phytochemical composition. Among those chemical constituents, carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, fatty acids, and functional carbohydrates and polysaccharides are those occurring in higher abundance. However, more recently, a huge interest in a class of triterpenoids, cucurbitacins, has been stated, given its renowned biological attributes. In this sense, the present review aims to provide a detailed overview to the folk medicinal uses of Cucurbita plants, and even an in-depth insight on the latest advances with regards to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer effects. A special emphasis was also given to its clinical effectiveness in humans, specifically in blood glucose levels control in diabetic patients and pharmacotherapeutic effects in low urinary tract diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Salehi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam 44340847, Iran.
| | - Esra Capanoglu
- Faculty of Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering, Food Engineering Department, Istanbul Technical University, 34469 Maslak, Turkey.
| | - Nabil Adrar
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Végétale et d'Ethnobotanique, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algérie.
| | - Gizem Catalkaya
- Faculty of Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering, Food Engineering Department, Istanbul Technical University, 34469 Maslak, Turkey.
| | | | - Mehwish Jaffer
- Department of Plant Sciences, LCWU, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Lalit Giri
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, India.
| | - Renu Suyal
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, India.
| | - Arun K Jugran
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Garhwal Regional Centre, Srinagar 246174, India.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Senem Kamiloglu
- Mevsim Gida Sanayi ve Soguk Depo Ticaret A.S. (MVSM Foods), Turankoy, Kestel, 16540 Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Dorota Kregiel
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Hubert Antolak
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Pawlikowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Surjit Sen
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India.
- Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India.
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India.
| | - Zeliha Selamoglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Campus, 51240 Nigde, Turkey.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Zabol Medicinal Plants Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol 61615-585, Iran.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion 4070386, Chile.
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Farukh Sharopov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Rudaki 139, Dushanbe 734003, Tajikistan.
| | - Natália Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy.
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Mahmoodpoor A, Medghalchi M, Nazemiyeh H, Asgharian P, Shadvar K, Hamishehkar H. Effect of Cucurbita Maxima on Control of Blood Glucose in Diabetic Critically Ill Patients. Adv Pharm Bull 2018; 8:347-351. [PMID: 30023337 PMCID: PMC6046431 DOI: 10.15171/apb.2018.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Cucurbita maxima Duchense (C. maxima) has been widely used in China and Mexico as a hypoglycemic plant for controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients. Furthermore, in northwest of Iran, this plant is used traditionally for controlling of diabetes. We examined the effect of C. maxima pulp besides insulin on control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients admitted to Intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Twenty critically ill patients who were admitted to the ICU were enrolled in this study. 5g lyophilized powder of C. maxima was administrated every 12 hours for 3 days. Moreover, blood glucose level and insulin dose were measured every 1-4 hours during 3 days before administration and 3days at the time of C. maxima administration. Results: The average of glucose level in 3 days before C. maxima administration was 214.9 ± 55.7 mg/dl, while in 3 days during C. maxima administration it was decreased to 178.4 ± 36.1 mg/dl (P<0.001). Additionally, the average insulin dose during 3 days before intervention was 48.05 ± 36.5 IU and during the 3 days of C. maxima administration was decreased to 39.5 ± 27.8 IU (P=0.06). Conclusion: It seems that C. maxima may decrease high blood glucose level fast and effective in diabetic critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Medghalchi
- Iranian Evidence Based Medicine Center of Excellence, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Nazemiyeh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parina Asgharian
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kamran Shadvar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hamishehkar
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Ghahremanloo A, Hajipour R, Hemmati M, Moossavi M, Mohaqiq Z. The beneficial effects of pumpkin extract on atherogenic lipid, insulin resistance and oxidative stress status in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 15:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2017-0051/jcim-2017-0051.xml. [PMID: 29068789 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2017-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Prevention and treatment of obesity is a way to reduce cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression. Pumpkin as a favorable plant has different properties notably antioxidant, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic potential. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-obesity effects of pumpkin in diet-induced obese rats. Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6) of healthy control, dietary fatty control rats, and three experimental dietary fatty rats that received hydro-alcoholic extract of pumpkin once daily at doses 100 and 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of 6 weeks, lipid profile, atherogenicity, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress status were measured. Results Pumpkin in a dose-dependent manner dramatically decreased triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, and liver enzymes while high-density lipoprotein was markedly increased in treated groups. Pumpkin also increased glutathione level in comparison with obese control group. Conclusions Pumpkin ameliorated oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in obese rats, leading to decrease cardiovascular disease risk in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefe Ghahremanloo
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reza Hajipour
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mina Hemmati
- Birjand CardioVascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Moossavi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Zabihullah Mohaqiq
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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12
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Jessica GG, Mario GL, Alejandro Z, Cesar APJ, Ivan JVE, Ruben RR, Javier AAF. CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A HYPOGLYCEMIC EXTRACT FROM CUCURBITA FICIFOLIA BOUCHE THAT INDUCES LIVER GLYCOGEN ACCUMULATION IN DIABETIC MICE. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES 2017; 14:218-230. [PMID: 28480434 PMCID: PMC5412228 DOI: 10.21010/ajtcam.v14i3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia (C. ficifolia) fruit has demonstrated hypoglycemic effect, which may be attributed to some components in the extract. However, the major secondary metabolites in this fruit have not yet been identified and little is known about its extra-pancreatic action, in particular, on liver carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, in addition to the isolation and structural elucidation of the principal components in the aqueous extract of C. ficifolia, the aim of this study was to determine whether or not the hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia (C. ficifolia) fruit is due to accumulation of liver glycogen in diabetic mice. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract from fruit of C. ficifolia was fractionated and its main secondary metabolites were purified and chemically characterized (NMR and GC-MS). Alloxan-induced diabetic mice received daily by gavage the aqueous extract (30 days). The liver glycogen content was quantified by spectroscopic method and by PAS stain; ALT and AST by spectrometric method; glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase and GLUT2 by Western blot; the mRNA expression of GLUT2 and glucagon-receptor by RT-PCR; while serum insulin was quantified by ELISA method. A liver histological analysis was also performed by H&E stain. Results: Chemical fingerprint showed five majoritarian compounds in the aqueous extract of C. ficifolia: p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, salicin, stigmast-7,2,2-dien-3-ol and stigmast-7-en-3-ol. The histological analysis showed accumulation of liver glycogen. Also, increased glycogen synthase and decreased glycogen phosphorylase were observed. Interestingly, the histological architecture evidenced a liver-protective effect due the extract. Conclusion: Five compounds were identified in C. ficifolia aqueous extract. The hypoglycemic effect of this extract may be partially explained by liver glycogen accumulation. The bioactive compound responsible for the hypoglycemic effect of this extract will be elucidated in subsequent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garcia Gonzalez Jessica
- Postgrad in Experimental Biology, Division of Health and Biological Sciences (DCBS), Metropolitan Autonomous University Campus Iztapalapa (UAMI), D.F. Mexico 09340, Mexico
| | - Garcia Lorenzana Mario
- Neurobiology Tissue Laboratory, Department of Reproduction Biology, DCBS, UAMI D.F. Mexico 09340, Mexico
| | - Zamilpa Alejandro
- Biomedical Research Center South (CIBIS), Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) Xochitepec, Morelos 62790, Mexico
| | | | - Jasso Villagomez E Ivan
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, DCBS, UAMI, D.F. Mexico 09340, Mexico
| | - Roman Ramos Ruben
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, DCBS, UAMI, D.F. Mexico 09340, Mexico
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13
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Fortis-Barrera Á, García-Macedo R, Almanza-Perez JC, Blancas-Flores G, Zamilpa-Alvarez A, Flores-Sáenz JL, Cruz M, Román-Ramos R, Alarcón-Aguilar FJ. Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) modulates inflammatory cytokines and IFN-γ in obese mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:170-177. [PMID: 27918843 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2015-0475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on systemic chronic inflammation in an obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) via modulating the expression of adipokines (TNF-α, IL-6, resistin, and adiponectin) and immune-regulatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10). Cucurbita ficifolia extract was administered daily by gavage to lean and MSG-obese mice for 30 days. At the end of treatment, cytokine mRNA expression in adipose tissue was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the protein levels of these cytokines were also quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cucurbita ficifolia extract decreased body mass and inflammation in MSG-obese mice by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6; these decreases were parallel to significant reductions in protein levels. The extract also increased protein levels of IL-10 in lean mice and IFN-γ in both lean and MSG-obese mice. In conclusion, C. ficifolia extract modulates systemic chronic inflammation in MSG-obese mice and could have a beneficial effect on the adaptive immune system in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Á Fortis-Barrera
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
| | - R García-Macedo
- b Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), 330 S. Cuauhtémoc, Col. Doctores, 06720, México, D.F
| | - J C Almanza-Perez
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
| | - G Blancas-Flores
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
| | - A Zamilpa-Alvarez
- c South Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), Argentina No. 1, Xochitepec, 62790, Morelos, México
| | - J L Flores-Sáenz
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
| | - M Cruz
- b Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), 330 S. Cuauhtémoc, Col. Doctores, 06720, México, D.F
| | - R Román-Ramos
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
| | - F J Alarcón-Aguilar
- a Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, 186 S. San Rafael Atlixco, Col. Vicentina, 09340, México, D.F
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Enenebeaku CK, Anyanwu CN, Okorocha NJ, Enenebeaku UE, Nzediegwu E, Ogukwe CE. Phyto-Availability of Potentially Toxic Metals in <i>Curcubita ficifolia</i> Grown on Contaminated and Non-Contaminated Soils. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.56431/p-3lrc0m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In order to estimate plant available fraction of metals in two soil samples-contaminated soil (A) and non-contaminated soil (B), a vegetable crop, Curcubita ficifolia was grown on both soil samples. The matured leaf was harvested and analyzed for its metal concentration after three (3) months of growth. The soil samples were collected before and after planting, digested with acid and analyzed to determine the pseudo total metal concentration and quantification was done using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). To correlate metal accumulation by the vegetable with potential bioavailability of metals in soils, sequential extraction (SE) using the modified BCR technique was performed on the soils. Soil sample B was used for quality control. It was observed that each metal differed considerably in uptake. And the C. ficifolia cultivated on soil sample A had tissue concentrations of Zn, Mn and Cu as follows: 39.6mgkg-1, 18.3mgkg-1and 26.3mgkg-1 respectively. Also, C. ficifolia cultivated on soil sample B had a lower absorption of Zn, Mn and Cu with concentrations of 10.21mgkg-1, 9.11mgkg-1, and 7.6mgkg-1 respectively. Results of sequential extraction showed that Zn for soil sample A, and Fe for sample B were mostly present in the acid exchangeable and reducible fractions where these metals were mostly taken up.
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Enenebeaku CK, Anyanwu CN, Okorocha NJ, Enenebeaku UE, Nzediegwu E, Ogukwe CE. Phyto-Availability of Potentially Toxic Metals in <i>Curcubita ficifolia</i> Grown on Contaminated and Non-Contaminated Soils. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilns.59.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to estimate plant available fraction of metals in two soil samples-contaminated soil (A) and non-contaminated soil (B), a vegetable crop,Curcubita ficifoliawas grown on both soil samples. The matured leaf was harvested and analyzed for its metal concentration after three (3) months of growth. The soil samples were collected before and after planting, digested with acid and analyzed to determine the pseudo total metal concentration and quantification was done using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). To correlate metal accumulation by the vegetable with potential bioavailability of metals in soils, sequential extraction (SE) using the modified BCR technique was performed on the soils. Soil sample B was used for quality control. It was observed that each metal differed considerably in uptake. And theC. ficifoliacultivated on soil sample A had tissue concentrations of Zn, Mn and Cu as follows: 39.6mgkg-1, 18.3mgkg-1and 26.3mgkg-1respectively. Also,C. ficifoliacultivated on soil sample B had a lower absorption of Zn, Mn and Cu with concentrations of 10.21mgkg-1, 9.11mgkg-1, and 7.6mgkg-1respectively. Results of sequential extraction showed that Zn for soil sample A, and Fe for sample B were mostly present in the acid exchangeable and reducible fractions where these metals were mostly taken up.
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16
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Miranda-Perez ME, Ortega-Camarillo C, Del Carmen Escobar-Villanueva M, Blancas-Flores G, Alarcon-Aguilar FJ. Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché increases insulin secretion in RINm5F cells through an influx of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 188:159-166. [PMID: 27174079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché(C. ficifolia) is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine to control type 2 diabetes (T2D). The hypoglycemic effect of the fruit of C. ficifolia has been demonstrated in different experimental models and in T2D patients. It has been proposed that D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is the active compound of the fruit. Additionally, it has been reported that C. ficifolia increases the mRNA expression of insulin and Kir 6.2 (a component of the ATP-sensitive potassium (K(+)ATP) channel, which is activated by sulphonylurea) in RINm5F cells. However, it remains unclear whether C. ficifolia and DCI causes the secretion of insulin by increasing the concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) through K(+)ATP channel blockage or from the reservoir in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). MATERIAL AND METHODS The aqueous extract of C. ficifolia was obtained and standardized with regard to its DCI content. RINm5F pancreatic β-cells were incubated with different concentrations (50, 100, 200 and 400μM) of DCI alone or C. ficifolia (9, 18, 36 and 72µg of extract/mL), and the [Ca(2+)]i of the cells was quantified. The cells were preloaded with the Ca(2+) fluorescent dye fluo4-acetoxymethyl ester (AM) and visualized by confocal microscopy. Insulin secretion was measured by an ELISA method. Subsequently, the effect of C. ficifolia on the K(+)ATP channel was evaluated. In this case, the blocker activator diazoxide was used to inhibit the C. ficifolia-induced calcium influx. In addition, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-receptor-selective inhibitor 2-amino-thoxydiphenylborate (2-APB) was used to inhibit the influx of calcium from the ER that was induced by C. ficifolia. RESULTS It was found that DCI alone did not increase [Ca(2+)]i or insulin secretion. In contrast, treatment with C. ficifolia increased [Ca(2+)]i 10-fold compared with the control group. Insulin secretion increased by 46.9%. In the presence of diazoxide, C. ficifolia decreased [Ca(2+)]i by 50%, while insulin secretion increased by 36.4%. In contrast, in the presence of 2-APB, C. ficifolia increased [Ca(2+)]i 18-fold, while insulin secretion remained constant, indicating an additive effect. Therefore, C. ficifolia was not found to block the K(+)ATP channel. However, it did exert an effect by increasing [Ca(2+)]i from the ER, which may partly explain the insulin secretion observed following treatment with C. ficifolia. CONCLUSIONS The hypoglycemic properties of C. ficifolia can be explained in part by its effect as a secretagogue for insulin through an increase in [Ca(2+)]i from the calcium reservoir in the ER. Therefore, the mechanism of action of C. ficifolia is different to those of the currently used hypoglycemic drugs, such as sulfonylureas. These results support that C. ficifolia may be a potential natural resource for new agents to control T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elizabeth Miranda-Perez
- Division de Ciencia Biologicas y de la Salud (DCBS), Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa (UAM-I), Avenida San Rafael Atlixco 186, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Clara Ortega-Camarillo
- Unidad de Investigacion Medica en Bioquimica, HE, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI. IMSS, Av. Cuauhtemoc 330, Col. Doctores, Del. Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | | | - Gerardo Blancas-Flores
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, DCBS, UAM-I, Avenida San Rafael Atlixco 186, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Francisco Javier Alarcon-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, DCBS, UAM-I, Avenida San Rafael Atlixco 186, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
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Bayat A, Azizi-Soleiman F, Heidari-Beni M, Feizi A, Iraj B, Ghiasvand R, Askari G. Effect of Cucurbita ficifolia and Probiotic Yogurt Consumption on Blood Glucose, Lipid Profile, and Inflammatory Marker in Type 2 Diabetes. Int J Prev Med 2016; 7:30. [PMID: 26955460 PMCID: PMC4763470 DOI: 10.4103/2008-7802.175455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Control of blood sugar, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are key factors in diabetes management. Cucurbita ficifolia (pumpkin) is a vegetable which has been used traditionally as a remedy for diabetes in Iran. In addition, consumption of probiotics may have beneficial effects on people with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was an investigation of the effects of C. ficifolia and probiotic yogurt consumption alone or at the same time on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic patients. Methods: Eighty eligible participants randomly were assigned to four groups: 1 - green C. ficifolia (100 g); 2 - probiotic yogurt (150 g); 3 - C. ficifolia plus probiotic yogurt (100 g C. ficifolia plus 150 g yogurt); and 4 -control (dietary advice) for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, glycemic response, lipid profile, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Total cholesterol (TC) decreased significantly in yogurt and yogurt plus C. ficifolia groups (within groups P = 0.010, and P < 0.001, respectively). C. ficifolia plus yogurt consumption resulted in a decrease in triglyceride (TG) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (within groups P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). All interventions led to a significant decrease in blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), hsCRP, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level within groups. Blood pressure decreased significantly in Cucurbita group and yogurt group (within groups P < 0.001, and P = 0.001 for systolic blood pressure [SBP] and P < 0.001, and P = 0.004 for diastolic blood pressure [DBP], respectively). All variables changed between groups significantly except LDL-C level. Conclusions: Variables including TG, HDL-C, TC, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, SBP, DBP, and hsCRP changed beneficially between groups. It seems that consumption of C. ficifolia and probiotic yogurt may help treatment of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azade Bayat
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azizi-Soleiman
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Motahar Heidari-Beni
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Awat Feizi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bijan Iraj
- Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Ghiasvand
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Askari
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Chang CI, Hsu CM, Li TS, Huang SD, Lin CC, Yen CH, Chou CH, Cheng HL. Constituents of the stem of Cucurbita moschata exhibit antidiabetic activities through multiple mechanisms. J Funct Foods 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Fortis-Barrera Á, Alarcón-Aguilar FJ, Banderas-Dorantes T, Díaz-Flores M, Román-Ramos R, Cruz M, García-Macedo R. C
ucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) and D-chiro-inositol modulate the redox state and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Pharm Pharmacol 2013; 65:1563-76. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Cucurbita ficifolia (characterised by its D chiro inositol (DCI) content) and of synthetic DCI on the redox state, mRNA expression and secretions of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we evaluated the insulin-mimetic action of both treatments by assessing protein kinase B (PKB) activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Methods
Adipocytes were treated with C. ficifolia and synthetic DCI. The redox state was determined by spectrophotometry as changes in the reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities; H2O2 levels were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and the protein level of cytokines were determinate by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activation of PKB activation was detected by Western blot.
Key findings
C. ficifolia extract and synthetic DCI reduced oxidative stress by decreased H2O2 levels, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, DCI decreased the mRNA expression and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and resistin, while C. ficifolia reduced protein levels of resistin and increased IL-6 levels. Only DCI demonstrated insulin-mimetic action.
Conclusions
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. ficifolia extract can be explained in part by its DCI content, which modulates the GSH/GSSG ratio and contributes to a reduced proinflammatory state. C. ficifolia and DCI treatments may reduce the disturbances caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, DCI may improve insulin sensitivity through its insulin-mimetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángeles Fortis-Barrera
- Posgrade in Experimental Biology, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
- Unit of Medical Investigation in Biochemistry, Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Francisco Javier Alarcón-Aguilar
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Tania Banderas-Dorantes
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Margarita Díaz-Flores
- Unit of Medical Investigation in Biochemistry, Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Rubén Román-Ramos
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Health and Biological Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University of Iztapalapa, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Miguel Cruz
- Unit of Medical Investigation in Biochemistry, Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Rebeca García-Macedo
- Unit of Medical Investigation in Biochemistry, Hospital of Specialties, CMNSXXI, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Doctores, Mexico DF, Mexico
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Teugwa CM, Boudjeko T, Tchinda BT, Mejiato PC, Zofou D. Anti-hyperglycaemic globulins from selected Cucurbitaceae seeds used as antidiabetic medicinal plants in Africa. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 13:63. [PMID: 23506532 PMCID: PMC3618205 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Africa, coupled with rampant poverty, is an indication of the urgent need to develop new efficacious, cheaper and more available drugs to face this growing public health challenge. A number of plants products among which the protein-rich Cucurbitaceae seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine with increasing acclaimed efficacy against DM. The aim of this study was to analyse and evaluate the hypoglycaemic activity of storage proteins of five species of Cucurbitaceae, which include Telfairia occidentalis, Citrullus lanatus, Lagenaria siceraria, Cucumeropsis mannii and Cucurbita moschata. METHODS The different families of storage proteins were extracted following differential solubility, and their contents were estimated using the Bradford method. The analysis of these proteins was done by electrophoresis in non-denaturing and denaturing conditions. The evaluation of hypoglycaemic properties of various globulins extracted was performed on male Wistar rats by the oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS The results showed that among the proteins extracted, globulins constitute the most abundant class of storage proteins in all five species selected. Citrullus lanatus and Cucurbita moschata presented the highest levels of globulin (275.34 and 295.11 mg/g dry matter, respectively). The results of electrophoresis showed that all species possess acidic and neutrals albumins and globulins, with molecular weight of protein subunits ranging from 6.36-44.11 kDa for albumins, 6.5-173.86 kDa for globulins and 6.5-49.66 kDa for glutelins. The 6.36 kDa of albumin subunit protein and the 6.5 kDa of globulin subunit protein were present in all the species. The oral glucose tolerance test showed that the globulins of the seeds of all species except Cucumeropsis mannii caused significant drop in blood sugar (88 - 137.80%, compared to the controls, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings showed that the selected Cucurbitaceae seeds contained globulins with significant anti-hyperglycaemic activity. It is therefore highly encouraged to pursue investigations towards development of peptide-drugs and/or phytomedicines from these bioactive proteins which could be used as affordable alternative therapy against DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clautilde Mofor Teugwa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box: 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Thaddée Boudjeko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Laboratoire de Phytoprotection et de valorisation des resources végétales, University of Yaoundé I, Biotechnology Centre, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Bruno Tugnoua Tchinda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box: 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pascaline Chouadeu Mejiato
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box: 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Denis Zofou
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
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Díaz-Flores M, Angeles-Mejia S, Baiza-Gutman LA, Medina-Navarro R, Hernández-Saavedra D, Ortega-Camarillo C, Roman-Ramos R, Cruz M, Alarcon-Aguilar FJ. Effect of an aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on the glutathione redox cycle in mice with STZ-induced diabetes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 144:101-108. [PMID: 22960550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 08/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE Cucurbita ficifolia is used in Mexican traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agent and its actions can be mediated by antioxidant mechanisms. Disturbance in the homeostasis of glutathione has been implicated in the etiology and progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS It was evaluated, the effect of an aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia on glycemia, plasma lipid peroxidation; as well as levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and activities of enzymes involved in glutathione redox cycle: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in liver, pancreas, kidney and heart homogenates of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. RESULTS Increased blood glucose and lipid peroxidation, together with decreased of GSH concentration, GSH/GSSG ratio and its redox potential (E(h)), and enhanced activity of GPx and GR in liver, pancreas and kidney were the salient features observed in diabetic mice. Administration of the aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia to diabetic mice for 30 days, used at a dose of 200 mg/kg, resulted in a significant reduction in glycemia, polydipsia, hyperphagia and plasma lipid peroxidation. Moreover, GSH was increased in liver, pancreas and kidney, and GSSG was reduced in liver, pancreas and heart, therefore GSH/GSSG ratio and its E(h) were restored. Also, the activities involved in the glutathione cycle were decreased, reaching similar values to controls. CONCLUSIONS An aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia with hypoglycemic action, improve GSH redox state, increasing glutathione pool, GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio and its E(h), mechanism that can explain, at least in part, its antioxidant properties, supporting its use as an alternative treatment for the control of diabetes mellitus, and prevent the induction of complications by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Díaz-Flores
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, México, México.
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22
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Roman-Ramos R, Almanza-Perez JC, Fortis-Barrera A, Angeles-Mejia S, Banderas-Dorantes TR, Zamilpa-Alvarez A, Diaz-Flores M, Jasso I, Blancas-Flores G, Gomez J, Alarcon-Aguilar FJ. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a hypoglycemic fraction from Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:97-110. [PMID: 22298451 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by oxidative stress and a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which also play roles in the pathogenesis of this disease and the accompanying vascular complications by increasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (C. ficifolia) is an edible Mexican plant whose hypoglycemic activity has been demonstrated in several experimental and clinical conditions. Recently, D-chiro-inositol has been proposed as the compound responsible for the hypoglycemic effects; however, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of this plant has not yet been explored. The aim of this research is to study the influence of a hypoglycemic, D-chiro-inositol-containing fraction from the C. ficifolia fruit (AP-Fraction) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, as well as on the inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The AP-Fraction obtained from the mature fruit of C. ficifolia contained 3.31 mg of D-chiro-inositol/g of AP-Fraction. The AP-Fraction was administrated daily by gavage to normal mice for 15 days as a preventive treatment. Then these animals were given streptozotocin, and the treatments were continued for an additional 33 days. Pioglitazone was used as a hypoglycemic drug for comparison. Administration of the AP-Fraction significantly increased glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver without significantly affecting the levels in other tissues. The AP-Fraction reduced TNF-α and increased IL-6 and IFN-γ in serum. Interestingly, the AP-Fraction also increased IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results suggest that C. ficifolia might be used as an alternative medication for the control of diabetes mellitus and that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its hypoglycemic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Roman-Ramos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
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Dhiman K, Gupta A, Sharma D, Gill N, Goyal A. A Review on the Medicinally Important Plants of the Family Cucurbitaceae. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.3923/ajcn.2012.16.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
The use of herbal remedies individually or in combination with standard medicines has been used in various medical treatises for the cure of different diseases. Pumpkin is one of the well-known edible plants and has substantial medicinal properties due to the presence of unique natural edible substances. It contains several phyto-constituents belonging to the categories of alkaloids, flavonoids, and palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Various important medicinal properties including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and others have been well documented. The purpose of the present article is to discuss various medicinal and biological potentials of pumpkin that can impart further research developments with this plant for human health benefits.
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XIA TAO, WANG QIN. EFFECT OFCUCURBITA FICIFOLIAFRUIT EXTRACT ON LIPID PROFILE AND ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS. J Food Biochem 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-4514.2009.00229.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Xia T, Wang Q. D-chiro-inositol found in Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extracts plays the hypoglycaemic role in streptozocin-diabetic rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2007; 58:1527-32. [PMID: 17132216 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.58.10.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbita ficifolia is commonly used as an antihyperglycaemic agent in Asia. However, the mechanism of its action is unknown. Chemically synthesized D-chiro-inositol (D-CI), a component of an insulin mediator, has been demonstrated to have antihyperglycaemic effects in rats. In this study, we found that C. ficifolia contained fairly high levels of D-CI, thus, C. ficifolia may be a natural source of D-CI for reducing blood glucose concentrations in diabetics. We evaluated C. ficifolia fruit extract, containing D-CI, for its antihyperglycaemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of C. ficifolia fruit extract containing 10 or 20 mg D-CI kg(-1) body weight for 30 days resulted in significantly lowered levels of blood glucose, and increased levels of hepatic glycogen, total haemoglobin and plasma insulin. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in fasted diabetic and normal rats, in which there was a significant improvement in blood glucose tolerance in the diabetic rats treated with C. ficifolia fruit extract. The effects were compared with 20 mg kg(-1) body weight chemically synthesized D-CI. Findings from this study demonstrated that C. ficifolia fruit extract was an effective source of D-CI for its hypoglycaemic effects in rats, and therefore may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xia
- College of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, PR China.
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27
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Xia T, Wang Q. Antihyperglycemic effect of Cucurbita ficifolia fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Fitoterapia 2006; 77:530-3. [PMID: 16905276 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2006.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the antihyperglycemic effects of Cucurbita ficifolia fruit extract were investigated on streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes in rats. Oral administration of the extract (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight, day) for 30 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and an increase in plasma insulin and total haemoglobin. The effect was compared with 150 mg/kg b.w. tolbutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xia
- College of Life Science, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshang North Rd., Shanghai 200062, PR China.
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28
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Andrade-Cetto A, Heinrich M. Mexican plants with hypoglycaemic effect used in the treatment of diabetes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2005; 99:325-48. [PMID: 15964161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2004] [Revised: 02/20/2005] [Accepted: 04/27/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome which affects more and more people in all countries over the world. In México, it is commonly treated with herbal extracts. Such treatment may be of considerable benefit especially during the early stages of the illness. In this review, we discuss species commonly used in México in the treatment of diabetes. A total of 306 species have records of a popular use in the treatment of this syndrome in México. Seven of these species--Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol. (Cecropiaceae), Equisetum myriochaetum Schlecht & Cham (Equisetaceae), Acosmium panamense (Benth.) Yacolev (Fabaceae), Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae), Agarista mexicana (Hemsl.) Judd. (Ericaeae), Brickellia veronicaefolia (Kunth) A. Gray (Asteraceae), Parmentiera aculeata (Kunth) Seem. (Bignoniaceae)--are discussed in greater detail, highlighting our current knowledge about these botanicals, but also the enormous gaps in our knowledge, most notably as it relates to the species' toxicology, the pharmacokinetics of its active constituents and their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Andrade-Cetto
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-359, 04511 México DF, México.
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Alarcon-Aguilar FJ, Hernandez-Galicia E, Campos-Sepulveda AE, Xolalpa-Molina S, Rivas-Vilchis JF, Vazquez-Carrillo LI, Roman-Ramos R. Evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) in different experimental models. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2002; 82:185-189. [PMID: 12241994 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute hypoglycemic effects of freeze-dried juice of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) fruits were studied in healthy and alloxan-diabetic mice. C. ficifolia fruit administered by intraperitoneal route produced, in a dose-dependent manner, a significant decrease of the glycemia in healthy mice. Although oral route of C. ficifolia fruit juice also caused significant reductions of blood glucose levels in healthy mice, the effect was minor. The juice administered by intraperitoneal route showed an acute hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-diabetic mice. In addition, daily oral administration of this preparation showed a highly significant reduction of the glycemia after 14 days of treatment. Freeze- dried juice caused acute toxicity when administered intraperitoneally, and also when it was administered daily by the oral route.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Alarcon-Aguilar
- División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, DF, Mexico.
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