Antidiabetic activity of Terminalia pallida fruit in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Antidiabetic Effect of Tamarindus indica and Momordica charantia and Downregulation of TET-1 Gene Expression by Saroglitazar in Glucose Feed Adipocytes and Their Involvement in the Type 2 Diabetes-Associated Inflammation In Vitro

To date, there is no satisfactory and effective therapy available to cure type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This present work is focused on plant extracts and the effect of saroglitazar and TET genes on oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro adipocytes. Aqueous extracts of Tamarindus indica and Momordica charantia seed have shown potent antidiabetic activity that decreases glucose levels in diabetic adipocytes. After seven and fourteen days, the sugar level in the blood was significantly reduced when plant extracts were supplemented. Lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TGL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) showed a highly significant change as expected in adipocytes treated with glucose compared with controlled adipocytes (P < 0.001). Gene expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are changed twice, thrice, and quadruplet, respectively. The level of interleukin-1 (IL1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was restored but the interleukin-6 (IL6) and ten-eleven-translocation-1 (TET1) were completely knocked down by the use of saroglitazar. In comparison with the diabetic group, this supplementation significantly increased glycogen content and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In the extract supplemented group, glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-oxidizing enzyme, and glucose-phosphorylating enzyme activities were significantly reduced. After seven days of extract supplementation, these parameters were not resettled to a controlled level; however, after 14 days of supplementation, all parameters were restored to the control level. In addition to altering gene expression, TET enzymes may contribute to altered adiposity and its metabolic consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine new ideas and approaches for treating obesity, T2DM, and other associated metabolic disorders.

Pharmacodynamic findings for the usefulness of Luffa cylindrica (L.) leaves in atherosclerosis therapy with supporting antioxidant potential

Background

Luffa cylindrica (L.) is a commonly used vegetable in different parts of Asia. Its fruits are generally used as a vegetable, but pharmacological activities of the leaves were unrevealed. The study evaluated the antihyperlipidemic activity and in vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Luffa cylindrica (L.) leaves (MELCL). The antihyperlipidemic potential was investigated in Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Animals were pre-treated with Triton X-100 (400 mg/kg). The Triton X-100-treated animals were then treated with MELCL at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg using 5% CMC, as a vehicle, per oral (p.o) for 7 days. Antioxidant activity was studied by examining the DPPH and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging potential of the extract.

Results

The plasma sample of rats was analyzed, and it was found that MELCL shows significant (p < 0.05) antihyperlipidemic activity at 200 mg/kg of MELCL. Serum analysis showed a marked reduction in the level of multiple biochemicals like total cholesterol (TC) (85.48 ± 3.230 mg/dl), triglycerides (TG) (74.62 ± 8.764 mg/dl), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (31.97 ± 3.475 mg/dl), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) (14.92 ± 1.635 mg/dl), and an increase in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (40.58 ± 1.625 mg/dl). MELCL also showed significant scavenging of DPPH radical (46.66 ± 0.002%) at concentration and hydrogen peroxide radical (47.55 ± 0.001%) at 100 μg/ml.

Conclusion

Quantitative results of the study showed that MELCL has considerable antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential and could be the option for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

In vitro free radical scavenging and antidiabetic activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts: a comparative evaluation of Argyreia pierreana and Matelea denticulata

Background

Oxidation is believed to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus by lipid peroxidation; DNA and protein damage leads to the development of vascular complications like coronary heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. The herbal preparations are complementary and alternative medicines to allopathic drugs which are believed to cause adverse events. Therefore, the current study was aimed to identify the novel plants, which belong to the generaArgyreia(Argyreia pierreana(AP)) andMatelea(Matelea denticulata(MD)), and assess the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts for in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potential by DPPH, OH•, superoxide, and glucose uptake and gene expression (GLUT-4 and PPARγ) studies using the L-6 cell line respectively.

Results

The preliminary scrutiny revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ethanolic extracts were found higher than those of aqueous extracts. The ethanolic extracts exhibited the superior antioxidant capacity when compared with aqueous extracts. However, the ethanolic extract of MD was shown superlative glucose uptake activity (72.54%) over control (0.037%) and GLUT-4 and PPARγ gene expressions (1.17 and 1.20) in term of folds respectively over cell control (1.00).

Conclusion

The ethanolic leaf extracts of both plants showed significant in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities compare to aqueous extracts. TheMatelea denticulataethanolic leaf extract exhibited superior activity. This superior activity might be due to their higher phenolic and flavonoid content. However, further approaches are needed to define these activities.

Evaluation of in vivo antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydromethanolic root extract of Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae)

BACKGROUND

The global morbidity and mortality rates of diabetes mellitus are persistently increasing. There is a demand for new antidiabetic drugs because the safety and efficacy of currently available medications are limited. The present study was therefore conducted to study the antidiabetic activities of the hydromethanolic root extract of Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) in mice.

METHODS

Blood glucose lowering activity of three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the hydromethanolic root extract of D. stramonium was tested on normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice models. The effect of the extract on body weight and diabetic dyslipidemia was also studied on STZ-induced diabetic mice. Additionally, antioxidant activity of the plant extract was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine free radical scavenging assay. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test.

RESULTS

The hydromethanolic root extract did not show significant hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic mice. The plant extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood glucose levels of oral glucose-loaded and diabetic mice. All the three doses of the root extract significantly improved diabetic dyslipidemia and the body weight of diabetic mice. Free radical scavenging activity of the root extract was found to be comparable to ascorbic acid with an IC50 of 13.47 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the hydromethanolic root extract of D. stramonium possesses significant antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant activities.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of ethanol extract of Salacia lehmbachii stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background Salacial lehmbachii stem bark is used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Treatment of diabetes is necessary to reduce these complications. Methods In this study, the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of S. lehmbachii ethanol stem bark extract was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg p.o. daily for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were assessed in the animals. Results Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats with S. lehmbachii stem bark extract showed significant (p<0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels when compared with diabetic control. The elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly (p<0.01) reduced by S. lehmbachii stem bark extract, while the level of HDL significantly (p<0.01) increased. Conclusions The results obtained suggest that S. lehmbachii stem bark extract has the potential to treat diabetes condition and hyperlipidemic disorders.

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activity of Musa paradisiaca-based diet in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

This study was aimed at investigating the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activity of Musa paradisiaca-based diets in alloxan-induced diabetic mellitus rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w) in 48 randomly selected rats. The rats were randomly grouped into four as follows: normal rats fed Dioscorea rotundata-based diet, diabetic control rats fed D. rotundata-based diet, diabetic rats fed D. rotundata-based diet and administered metformin (14.2 mg/kg body weight) orally per day, and diabetic rats fed M. paradisiaca-based diet. Body weight and fasting blood glucose level were monitored, on 28th days the rats were sacrificed, liver was excised. Thereafter, the hyperglycemic and dyslipidemic statii of the induced diabetic animals were determined. The M. paradisiaca-based diet significantly (p < .05) reversed the levels of fasting blood glucose, with significant (p < .05) increase in insulin and glycogen concentrations. The diet also increased the activity of hexokinase with significant reduction (p < .05) in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1-6-diphosphatase activities. M. paradisiaca-based diet demonstrated significant reduction (p < .05) in cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and significant increase (p < .05) in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared with those of diabetic control group. Also, M. paradisiaca-based diet significantly (p < .05) reversed the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase when compared with diabetic control animals. The consumption of this diet may be useful in ameliorating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diabetes mellitus patients.

Trace Element Determination and Cardioprotection of Terminalia pallida Fruit Ethanolic Extract in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarcted Rats by ICP-MS

The trace elements and minerals in Terminalia pallida fruit ethanolic extract (TpFE) were determined by the instrument inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the cardioprotection of TpFE against isoproterenol (ISO)-administered rats was studied. Rats were pretreated with TpFE (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg bw) for 30 days, with concurrent administration of ISO (85 mg/kg bw) for two consecutive days. The levels of trace elements and minerals in TpFE were below the permitted limits of World Health Organization standards. ISO administration significantly increased the heart weight and cardiac marker enzymes in serum, xanthine oxidase, sodium, and calcium in the heart, whereas significantly decreased body weight, reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and potassium in the heart. Oral pretreatment of TpFE significantly prevented the ISO-induced alterations. This is the first report that revealed the determination of trace elements and mineral nutrients of TpFE by ICP-MS which plays a principal role in the herbal drug discovery for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Investigation into Hypoglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Renoprotective Potentials of Dennettia tripetala (Pepper Fruit) Seed in a Rat Model of Diabetes

This study investigated the hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and renoprotective potentials of Dennettia tripetala (DT) in a rat model of diabetes. The hypoglycemic activity in crude methanol seed extract of DT (CMEDT) and methanol seed fraction of DT (MFDT) measured by glucose oxidase method was increased by 47.37% and 28.72%, respectively, after 8 hours of administration. After 10 days of treatment, CMEDT and MFDT gave a good glycemic control with the highest percentage reduction of 75.82% and 71.34% in glucose level, respectively, which is closely compared with 79.91% in glibenclamide. Using the enzymatic assay and Friedewald's equation, there was a significant reduction in serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05) following treatment with CMEDT and MFDT, when compared with the untreated group, although results varied in dosed groups, with high dose of MFDT showing a better lipid-lowering activity. High dose of MFDT improved lipid metabolism and increased percentage protection against atherogenesis by 44%. However, neither CMEDT nor MFDT ameliorated the renal biochemical alteration in urea and creatinine. Thus, the study demonstrates hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials of DT seed in diabetes.

Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract was one of the few herbal remedies which the clinical and experimental trials have complemented each other. Both experimental and clinical effects have been verified through extensive biomedical herbal remedy research. Specifically, antioxidant, choleretic, hepatoprotective, bile-enhancing and lipid-lowering effects have been demonstrated, which corresponded with its historical use. Ongoing research seems to indicate that artichoke indeed have medicinal qualities. Most significant appears to be its beneficial effect on the liver. In animal studies, liquid extracts of the roots and leaves of artichoke have demonstrated an ability to protect the liver, with possibly even to help liver cells regenerate. Although research is not yet conclusive, scientists were optimistic that its long-standing use in humans for digestive and bowel problems was indeed justified. It may also play a role in lowering cholesterol and thus help to prevent heart disease. Boiled wild artichoke reduced postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in normal subjects but has no effect on metabolic syndrome patients. This article intended to review the wide ranging pharmacological effects of artichoke leaf extract.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of methanol extract of Brassica oleracea

AIM

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the methanol extract of Brassica oleracea var. capitata (MEB) was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.

METHOD

The study was conducted on twenty-eight healthy white rabbits of either sex. All animals were equally divided into four groups. After confirmation of hyperglycemia, the animals of the treated and standard groups were administered MEB (500 mg·kg(-1)) and glibenclamide (10 mg·kg(-1)), respectively for 15 and 30 days. The animals of the normal and diabetic controls received normal saline 1 mL/day equivalent to the volume of doses given to the test and standard animals. Biochemical tests were performed at the end of dosing, i.e. the 16(th) and 31(st) days.

RESULTS

The MEB revealed a decrease of 106.6 mg·dL(-1) in fasting blood glucose as compared to diabetic control, which was almost comparable to glibenclamide; both of these changes were highly significant. The decrease in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein was 94.3 and 96.5 mg·dL(-1), respectively, whereas the high-density lipoprotein was increased by 26.7 mg·dL(-1), as compared to diabetic control. All of the changes in lipid profile were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the potential of MEB as a hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent.

Investigation of the Blood Glucose Lowering Potential of the Jamaican Momordica charantia (Cerasee) Fruit in Sprague-Dawley Rats

The Momordica charantia (MC) fruit has been documented to possess antidiabetic properties. However, these studies were not without controversy surrounding the blood glucose-lowering ability and the mechanism of action in diabetes therapy. In an effort to evaluate such claims in the Jamaican MC species known as cerasee, aqueous extracts of the unripe fruit were studied in normal and diabetic rats. Normal male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups (n = 6) orally administered distilled water, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution, the aqueous extract (400 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (15 mg/kg body weight), respectively prior to assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted in normoglycaemic rats orally administered distilled water, 10% DMSO solution, glibenclamide (15 mg/kg body weight) or aqueous extracts of the fruit (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight). Blood glucose concentration was also monitored in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats administered the aqueous extract (250 mg/kg body weight) or water vehicle after an overnight fast. The aqueous extracts showed no hypoglycaemic or antidiabetic activity. However, the administration of the aqueous extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) resulted in significant improvement in glucose tolerance of glucose-primed normoglycaemic rats during the OGTT. These data suggest that the glucose-lowering mechanism of the Jamaican MC fruit species likely involves altered glucose absorption across the gastrointestinal tract.

Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of swietenia macrophylla king (meliaceae) seed extracts in normoglycaemic rats undergoing glucose tolerance tests

Background

Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae) is used to treat diabetes mellitus in Malaysia. This study aims to evaluate the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CE) and methanol (ME) extracts of S. macrophylla seeds, in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Following treatment of normoglycaemic rats with S. macrophylla seed extracts, hypoglycaemic and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) were performed, and blood glucose concentrations were measured. Similarly, glucose concentrations were measured after 1 and 14 days of extract treatment of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Glucose absorption by isolated everted intestine and glucose uptake by isolated abdominal muscle were tested after treatment with seed extracts. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed on PE of S. macrophylla seeds to identify the compounds responsible for its activity.

Results

None of the extracts had a significant effect on the blood glucose levels of 60 randomly selected normoglycaemic (normal) and diabetic rats undergoing hypoglycaemic tests. PE, however, significantly reduced blood glucose levels in 30 randomly selected normoglycaemic rats undergoing IPGTT tests 30–120 minutes after glucose administration. Repeated doses of 1000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg PE to STZ-induced diabetic rats for 14 days did not reduce blood glucose levels significantly. PE did not significantly reduced the intestinal absorption of glucose, but significantly increased glucose uptake by abdominal muscle in the absence or presence of insulin. GC-MS analysis indicated that diterpenes, triterpenoids, fatty acid methyl esters, aldehydes and phytosterols may be responsible for the glucose lowering effects of PE.

Conclusion

PE extracts of S. macrophylla seeds showed anti-hyperglycaemic activity on IPGTTs . GC-MS analysis on the PE revealed that several compounds, including fucosterol and β-sitosterol, may be responsible for these anti-hyperglycaemic properties.

Effect of polyherbal mixtures on the treatment of diabetes

The study focuses on polyherbal antidiabetic formulations of different plants used in the treatment of diabetes mixed in different concentrations. In the present study eleven medicinal plants with proven antidiabetic and related beneficial effects were selected for the preparation of five mixtures. The efficacy of prepared mixtures has been tested on streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats and compared with a commercially available drug glibenclamide. The mixtures at the dose levels of 400 mg/kg b.w. produced a significant decrease in blood glucose level by 69.6%, 70.97%, 64.45%, 71.82%, and 64.44% after 21 days of treatment. The elevated level of SGPT, SGOT, and ALP in the diabetic controlled group reflected the significant alteration of liver function by STZ induction and was found to be equipotent to glibenclamide in restoration of the elevated enzyme levels to normal. The elevated lipid levels (triglyceride and total cholesterol) were restored to near normal by these mixtures for all the estimated parameters. The results of the mixtures on treated group were found to restore the glycemic level to the near normal level thereby indicating antihyperglycemic activity of the formulated mixtures.

An extract from wax apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merrill and Perry) effects glycogenesis and glycolysis pathways in tumor necrosis factor-α-treated FL83B mouse hepatocytes

FL83B mouse hepatocytes were treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to induce insulin resistance to investigate the effect of a wax apple aqueous extract (WAE) in insulin-resistant mouse hepatocytes. The uptake of 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose (2 NBDG), a fluorescent D-glucose derivative, was performed, and the metabolism of carbohydrates was evaluated by examining the expression of glycogenesis or glycolysis-related proteins in insulin-resistant hepatocytes. The results show that WAE significantly improves the uptake of glucose and enhances glycogen content in insulin-resistant FL83B mouse hepatocytes. The results from Western blot analysis also reveal that WAE increases the expression of glycogen synthase (GS), hexokinase (HXK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and aldolase in TNF-α treated cells, indicating that WAE may ameliorate glucose metabolism by promoting glycogen synthesis and the glycolysis pathways in insulin-resistant FL83B mouse hepatocytes.

Protective and curative effects of Cocos nucifera inflorescence on alloxan-induced pancreatic cytotoxicity in rats

OBJECTIVES

This study was planned to investigate the effects of pre and post-treatment of young inflorescence of Cocos nucifera (CnI) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male albino Sprague Dawely rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I was normal control, Group II was diabetic control, Cocos nucifera Inflorescence (CnI) was fed along with diet [20% (w/w)] orally (Group III) for a period of 11 days prior to alloxan injection (150 mg/kg i.p.). The curative effect of CnI was evaluated at the same feeding levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Group IV) for a period of 30 days. The effects of both pretreatment and post-treatment (Group V) were also evaluated. Biochemical parameters such serum glucose, hepatic glycogen, and enzymes involving carbohydrate metabolism (hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose 1, 6-diphosphatase, glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase) were assayed along with pancreatic histopathology. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's post hoc multiple variance test. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significant.

RESULTS

Diabetic control rats showed significant increase in serum glucose (P < 0.05) and decrease in hepatic glycogen levels (P < 0.05) compared to normal rats, which was reversed to near normal in both CnI pretreated and post-treated rats. Treatment with CnI resulted in significant decrease (P < 0.05) in activities of gluconeogenic enzymes in Group III and IV on compared to the diabetic control group, while glycolytic enzyme activities were improved in these groups. The cytotoxicity of pancreatic islets also ameliorated by treatment with CnI on histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the study indicate the protective and curative effects of CnI on alloxan-induced pancreatic cytotoxicity, which is mediated through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities and islets cell repair.

Antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activities of Terminalia pallida Linn. fruits in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats

Hyperlipidemia contributes significantly in the manifestation and development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Although synthetic lipid-lowering drugs are useful in treating hyperlipidemia, there are number of adverse effects. So the current interest has stimulated the search for new lipid-lowering agents with minimal side effects from natural sources. The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic potentiality of ethanolic extract of Terminalia pallida fruits in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. T. pallida fruits ethanolic extract (TPEt) was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. Sprague-Dawley male rats were made hyperlipidemic by giving high fat diet, supplied by NIN (National Institute of Nutrition), Hyderabad, India. TPEt was administered in a dose of 100 mg/kg.b.w./day for 30 days in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The body weights, plasma lipid, and lipoprotein levels were measured before and after the treatment. TPEt showed significant antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activities as evidenced by significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels coupled together with elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and diminution of atherogenic index in high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. There was a significantly reduced body weight gain in TPEt-treated hyperlipidemic rats than in the control group. The present study demonstrates that TPEt possesses significant antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic properties, thus suggesting its beneficial effect in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) on testicular tissue in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Urtica dioica L. (Stinging nettle) has already been known for a long time as a medicinal plant in the world. This histopathological and morphometrical study was conducted to determine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves on testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were allocated to equally normal, diabetic and treatment groups. Hyperglycemia was induced by Streptozotocin (80 mg kg(-1)) in animals of diabetic and treatment groups. One week after STZ injection (80 mg kg(-1)), the rats of treatment group received the extract of U. dioica (100 mg/kg/day) IP for 28 days. After 5 weeks of study, all the rats were sacrificed and testes were removed and fixed in bouin and after tissue processing stained with H and E technique. Tubular cell disintegration, sertoli and spermatogonia cell vacuolization and decrease in sperm concentration in seminiferous tubules were seen in diabetic and treatment groups group in comparison with control. External Seminiferous Tubular Diameter (STD) and Seminiferous Epithelial Height (SEH) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the diabetic rats compared with controls and these parameters in the treatment group were similar to diabetics animals. This study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves, after induction of diabetes; has no treatment effect on seminiferous tubules alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Evaluation of the acute antihyperglycemic effects of four selected indigenous plants from Jordan used in traditional medicine

CONTEXT

Eryngium creticum Lam. (Umbelliferae), Geranium graveolens L.Her.exn Ait (Geraniaceae), Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae), and Varthemia iphionoides Boiss (Compositae) have traditionally been used as antidiabetic phytomedicines. However, their alleged benefits and mechanisms remain elusive.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of these plants on in vitro and in vivo enzymatic starch digestion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro enzymatic starch digestion with acarbose or (1-50 or 100 mg/ml) plants aqueous extracts was assayed using α-amylase and α-amyloglucosidase. Oral starch tolerance tests and oral glucose tolerance tests were determined for the plant extracts at concentrations 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose levels in rats treated with plant extracts or drugs (acarbose or metformin and glipizide) were measured at -30, 0, 45, 90, and 135 min.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In vitro, acarbose, and water extracts of G. graveolens and V. iphionoides exerted significant dose-dependent dual inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with respective IC₅₀s of 1.2 μg/ml, 84.7, and 65.2 mg/ml. Comparable in vivo acute postprandial antihyperglycemic efficacies were obtained for G. graveolens and V. iphionoides in starch-fed rats. E. creticum exhibited substantial acute antihyperglycemic activities in starch-treated rats, despite lacking any favorable in vitro effectiveness. However, P. argentea lacked any inhibitory efficacy. None of the plant extracts qualified for improving the glucose tolerance in fasted rats on glucose loading.

CONCLUSION

G. graveolens and V. iphionoides can be considered as potential candidates for therapeutic modulation of impaired fasting glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes.

Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: an updated review

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.

Antidiabetic Potentiality of the Aqueous-Methanolic Extract of Seed of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rat: A Correlative and Evidence-Based Approach with Antioxidative and Antihyperlipidemic Activities

Antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous-methanolic (2 : 3) extract of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. (family Meliaceae) seed studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Feeding with seed extract (25 mg 0.25 mL distilled water(-1)100 gm b.w.(-1)rat(-1) day(-1)) for 21 days to diabetic rat lowered the blood glucose level as well as the glycogen level in liver. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, and levels of the products of free radicals like conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in liver, kidney, and skeletal muscles were corrected towards the control after this extract treatment in this model. Furthermore, the seed extract corrected the levels of serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoproteins towards the control level in this experimental diabetic model. The results indicated the potentiality of the extract of S. mahagoni seed for the correction of diabetes and its related complications like oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. The extract may be a good candidate for developing a safety, tolerable, and promising neutraceutical treatment for the management of diabetes.

Anti-hyperglycemic activity of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in alloxan induced diabetic rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of the leaves of Tetracera scandens Linn. Merr. (Dilleniaceae) in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local herbalists in the treatment of diabetes frailties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude aqueous (AQ) and methanol (MEOH) extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. were administered to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats (Wistar strain). The blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8h after oral administration of AQ and MEOH extracts.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in glucose was observed in fasting blood glucose levels in the treated diabetic rats without causing any hypoglycemic effect compared to normal rats. Both polar extracts of the leaves of T. scandens L. exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. The highest anti-hyperglycemic effect (62.5%) was observed by the AQ extract at 0.25 g/kg body weight (b.w.) and MEOH extract (36.5%) at 0.5 g/kg b.w. after 8h. The significant anti-hyperglycemic activity was found to be comparable with a known oral synthetic hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide 0.25mg/kg b.w.

CONCLUSION

This study provides scientific evidence that the leaves of T. scandens L. have anti-diabetic efficacy and justifies its utility by local herbalists. However, more experiments at the clinical levels are required to confirm the utility of this plant by traditional practitioners in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium against toxicity induced by Streptozotocin in rats

Leakage of cellular enzymes into the plasma is a clear indication of cell damage. When liver plasma membrane is damaged, a variety of enzymes normally located in the cytosol are released into the blood stream and their estimation is a quantitative marker for the extent of damage. The cytoprotective effect of Semecarpus anacardium was evaluated in rats that were rendered diabetic by administration of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The activities of the marker enzymes were assayed in the serum, liver and kidney. The indicators of renal damage such as urea, uric acid and creatinine were assayed in addition to the blood profile. The results of the present study reveal that Semecarpus anacardium was able to reverse the levels of the marker enzymes, and protect the kidney by reverting back to the normal levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. The abnormal blood parameters were also reverted to near normal levels indicating the drug’s cytoprotective effect.

Effect of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract on glucose uptake in rat hepatocytes

People in oriental countries, including Japan and Taiwan, boil guava leaves (Psidium guajava L.) in water and drink the extract as a folk medicine for diabetes. The present study investigated the enhancement of aqueous guava leaf extract on glucose uptake in rat clone 9 hepatocytes and searched for the active compound. The extract was eluted with MeOH-H(2)O solutions through Diaion, Sephadex, and MCI-gel columns to separate into fractions with different polarities. The uptake test of 2-[1-(14)C] deoxy-D-glucose in rat clone 9 hepatocytes was performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of these fractions. The active compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that phenolics are the principal component of the extract, that high polarity fractions of the guava leaf extract are enhancers to glucose uptake in rat clone 9 hepatocytes, and that quercetin is the major active compound. We suggest that quercetin in the aqueous extract of guava leaves promotes glucose uptake in liver cells, and contributes to the alleviation of hypoglycemia in diabetes as a consequence.

Antidiabetic activity of 50% ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis and its purified fractions

We investigated the antidiabetic activity of 50% ethanolic extract of roots of Ricinus communis (RCRE) along with its bioassay-guided purification. Five-hundred milligram per kilogram body weight appeared to be the effective dose as it caused the maximum lowering of the fasting blood glucose, both in normal as well as type 1 diabetic animals. The maximum hypoglycemic effect was always observed at the 8th h up to which the study has been conducted. Administration of the effective dose of RCRE to the diabetic rats for 20 days showed favorable effects not only on fasting blood glucose, but also on total lipid profile and liver and kidney functions on 10th and 20th day. RCRE was purified using silica gel column chromatography. Out of several different fractions tested, only one fraction (R-18) showed significant antihyperglycemic activity. RCRE seemed to have a high margin of safety as no mortality and no statistically significant difference in alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, creatinine, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and total protein was observed even after the administration of the extract at a dose of 10 g/kg b.wt. Thus R. communis seems to have a promising value for the development of a potent phytomedicine for diabetes.

Antihyperglycemic effects of separate and composite extract of root of Musa paradisiaca and leaf of Coccinia indica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male albino rat

We evaluated the antihyperglycaemic properties of aqueous-methanolic (40:60) extract of root of Musa paradisiaca and leaf of Coccinia indica in separate as well as in composite manner by conducting experiment on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We measured food and water intake ability, the fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, activities of important carbohydrate metabolic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase in liver along with quantification of glycogen in liver and in skeletal muscle and serum insulin level. We noted that after treatment of aqueous methanolic extract of above plant parts in separate as well as in composite manner at a concentration of 80 mg/100 g body weight/day to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat resulted in a significant remedial effect on blood glucose level as well as carbohydrate metabolic enzymes and the quantity of liver and skeletal muscle glycogen. Serum insulin level that was diminished in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat recovered significantly after the co-administration of extract of above plant parts. All the above parameters showed a more potent remedial effect after composite extract treatment with respect to separate treatment and none of the extract has any general metabolic toxicity induction.

Leads from Indian medicinal plants with hypoglycemic potentials

Diabetes mellitus is caused due to deficiency in production of insulin by the pancreas, or by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. It is a global problem and number of those affected is increasing day by day. The plants provide a potential source of hypoglycemic drugs because many plants and plant derived compounds have been used in the treatment of diabetes. Several medicinal plants have found potential use as hypoglycemic in the Indian system of medicines, including ayurveda. Many Indian plants have been investigated for their beneficial use in different types of diabetes and reports occur in numerous scientific journals. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on various plant species from Indian biosphere and their constituents, which have been shown to display potent hypoglycemic activity. The use of herbs as hypoglycemic is a major avenue in Indian perspectives particularly for treating diabetes, which require to be explored more effectively as there are so many literatures available on these aspects. This paper describes the chemistry, activity and usage of the constituents isolated from these plants from India for the treatment of diabetes.

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

Our aim was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antilipid peroxidative effect of ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre (Leguminosae) flowers (PpEt) in normal rats and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia, elevated lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and disturbed nonenzymatic [Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione] and enzymatic antioxidants status were noticed in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata flowers (300 mg/kg bw) showed significant antihyperglycemic, and antilipidperoxidative effects and enhancement in antioxidants defense system in alloxan induced diabetic rats. However, no significant characteristic changes were noticed in blood glucose level as well as in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in normal rats treated with "PpEt" alone. We have also observed that the "PpEt" considerably reduced the blood glucose concentration in a similar extent to that of the reference drug glibenclamide (600 microg/kg bw) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results thus suggested that the "PpEt" could be used as a safe alternative antihyperglycemic drug for diabetic patients.

Attenuation of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were divided into mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) on the basis of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Diabetes was confirmed here by intravenous glucose tolerance test (GTT), biochemical assay of glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle, glucose-6-phosphatase activity in liver, and serum insulin levels. Hyperlipidemia developed in these experimental diabetic rats was assessed by quantification of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and triglyceride (TG) in serum. Aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica was given to MD and SD rats at the dose of 80 mg and 120 mg/0.5 ml distilled water/100 g body weight/d respectively for 14 d. Significant attenuation of hyperglycemia was indicated by measuring FBG, glycogen level and glucose-6-phosphatase activity along with monitoring of intravenous GTT and serum insulin level. Similarly, correction of hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats after this extract supplementation was confirmed by significant reduction in the levels of above-mentioned hyperlipidemic indicators. Intravenous GTT was performed that highlights the antidiabetic action of this extract is not due to its effect on the intestinal rate of glucose absorption but may be due to modulation of intracellular glucose utilization in target organs. This study focus the efficacy of this extract for the management of experimental diabetes in rat model which may shed some light on the scientific basis of ancient herbal therapy in this line using this seed.

Anti-ulcer activity of ethanol extract of Terminaliapallida Brandis. in Swiss albino rats

Ethanol extract of Terminalia pallida Brandis. (EETP) was evaluated for its anti-ulcer activity against various models of ulcers, such as drug-induced ulcers, histamine-induced ulcers and ethanol-induced ulcers in Swiss albino rats. The EETP at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg per os (p.o.) exhibited significant protection against ulcers produced by indomethacin, histamine and the effect was comparable to that of the reference drug famotidine (30 mg/kg b.w) orally. The extract also afforded significant protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. Meanwhile, EETP significantly lowered the elevated lipid peroxide level (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and restored the altered glutathione level in ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. The present investigation revealed that the EETP exhibited significant anti-ulcer activity by enhancing antioxidant potential of the gastric mucosa, thereby reducing mucosal damage.

Some pharmacological properties of extracts of Terminalia sericea roots

Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex. DC (Combretaceae) extracts are used to treat bacterial infections, diarrhea, and diabetes. Intermediate and polar extracts of the roots exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the petroleum ether extract was inactive. The extracts were mildly active against Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but exhibited the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus. They also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. An 80% aqueous ethanol extract of the roots did not have any effect on blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in mice (P>0.05). With the exception of the dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts, all the intermediate and polar extracts were toxic to brine shrimps giving LC(50) (95% confidence intervals) values ranging from 5.4 (3.5-8.4) to 17.4 (11.4-26.5) microg/ml, while that of cyclophosphamide, a standard anticancer drug, was 16.3 (10.6-25.2) microg/ml. Further work is in progress to isolate and identify active compounds in the extracts.

Antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In Indian traditional system of medicine, herbal remedies are prescribed for the treatment of diseases including diabetes mellitus. In recent years, plants are being effectively tried in a variety of pathophysiological states. Tamarindus indica Linn. is one of them. In the present study, aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica Linn. was found to have potent antidiabetogenic activity that reduces blood sugar level in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rat. Supplementation of this aqueous extract by gavage at the dose of 80 mg/0.5 ml distilled water/100 g body weight per day in STZ-induced diabetic rat resulted a significant diminution of fasting blood sugar level after 7 days. Continuous supplementation of this extract for 14 days resulted no significant difference in this parameter from control level. Moreover, this supplementation produced a significant elevation in liver and skeletal muscle glycogen content, activity of liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in respect to diabetic group. Activities of liver glucose-6-phosphatase, liver and kidney glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities were decreased significantly in the aqueous extract supplemented group in respect to diabetic group. All these parameters were not resettled to the controlled level after 7 days of this extract supplementation but after 14 days of this supplementation, all the above mentioned parameters were restored to the control level.