Influence of Punica granatum L. on region specific responses in rat brain during Alloxan-Induced diabetes

An in vivo appraisal of Punica granatum peel extract's ultrastructural effect on cystic echinococcosis in mice

In the past decade, interest has significantly increased regarding the medicinal and nutritional benefits of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel. This study examined the effects of using pomegranate peel extract (PGE) alone and in combination with albendazole (ABZ) on ultrastructural and immunological changes in cystic echinococcosis in laboratory-infected mice. Results revealed that the smallest hydatid cyst size and weight (0.48 ± 0.47mm, 0.17 ± 0.18 gm) with the highest drug efficacy (56.2%) was detected in the PGE + ABZ group, which also exhibited marked histopathological improvement. Ultrastructural changes recorded by transmission electron microscopy including fragmentation of the nucleus, glycogen depletion, and multiple lysosomes in vacuolated cytoplasm were more often observed in PGE + ABZ group. IFN-γ levels were significantly increased in the group treated with ABZ, with a notable reduction following PGE treatment, whether administered alone or in combination with ABZ. Thus, PGE enhanced the therapeutic efficiency of ABZ, with improvement in histopathological and ultrastructural changes.

Development of a New Extraction Method for Pomegranate and Metabolite Profiling by a LC-MS and 1H NMR Combined Approach

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) market has steadily grown due to the increasing demand of health-conscious consumers of products with health-promoting effects. Recently, a growing interest in developing ecological and environmentally friendly extraction methods has led to investigating extraction procedures to obtain a higher extraction yield using a lower amount of solvents and energy. Herein, a new extraction procedure was developed to obtain an enriched pomegranate food supplement by using the peels of pomegranate, cultivar "Dente di Cavallo" and its juice. The extraction was performed through a non-conventional extraction technique like SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice as a solvent, and peels as a matrix. The extract was analysed by a combined approach based on LCESI/QExactive/MS/MS and NMR analysis, and its chemical profile was compared with those of pomegranate juice and of the extract obtained from peels by SLDE-Naviglio by using ethanol:H2O. The LC-MS analysis highlighted the presence of hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and phenol glucoside derivatives, while 1H NMR analysis completed the profile by detecting the primary metabolites. The LC-MS and 1H NMR analysis indicated that the extract obtained by SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice was enriched in the bioactives as confirmed by the highest phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content.

Antidiabetic effects of polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea, Cichorium intybus and Potentilla erecta

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea aerial parts and Cichorium intybus roots and Potentilla erecta rhizomes has been used for centuries to treat both the primary and secondary complications of diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

As a continuation of our search for the most effective herbal mixture used as an ethnopharmacological remedy for diabetes, this study aimed to compare the in vitro biological activities of this polyherbal mixture and its individual ingredients, and, most importantly, to validate the ethnopharmacological value of the herbal mixture through evaluation of its phytochemical composition, its potential in vivo toxicity and its effect on diabetes complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC-UV. Antioxidant activity was estimated via the DPPH test. Potential cytotoxicity/anticytotoxicity was assessed using an in vitro RBCs antihemolytic assay and an in vivo sub-chronic oral toxicity method. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay and in vivo using a chemically induced diabetic rat model.

RESULTS

The HPLC-UV analysis revealed the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivative, catechin, five catechin derivatives, epicatechin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutin, four quercetin derivatives, caffeic acid, and four caffeic acid derivatives in the polyherbal mixture decoction. Treatment with the decoction has shown no toxic effects. The antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of the polyherbal mixture were higher than the reference's ones. Its antidiabetic activity was high in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Fourteen days of treatment with the decoction (15 g/kg) completely normalized blood glucose levels of diabetic animals, while treatments with insulin and glimepiride only slightly lowered glycemic values. In addition, lipid status of treated animals as well as levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea and MDA were completely normalized. In addition, the polyherbal mixture completely restored the histopathological changes of the liver, kidneys and all four Cornu ammonis regions of the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The polyherbal mixture was effective in the prevention of both primary and secondary diabetic complications such as hyperlipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, nephropathy and neurodegeneration.

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

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

The use of South African botanical species for the control of blood sugar

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally and is of considerable concern to global health. Approximately 425 million people are estimated to have DM globally and this is predicted to increase to >642 million by 2040. Whilst the prevalence of DM in South Africa is slightly lower than the global average, it is expected to rise rapidly in future years as more South Africans adopt a high calorie "westernised" diet. Traditional medicines offer an alternative for the development of new medicines to treat DM and the usage of South African plants is relatively well documented.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To critically review the literature on the anti-diabetic properties of South African plants and to document plant species used for the treatment of DM. Thereafter, a thorough examination of the related research will highlight where research is lacking in the field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of published ethnobotanical books, reviews and primary scientific studies was undertaken to identify plants used to treat DM in traditional South African healing systems and to identify gaps in the published research. The study was non-biased, without taxonomic preference and included both native and introduced species. To be included, species must be recorded in the pharmacopeia of at least one South African ethnic group for the treatment of DM.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-seven species are recorded as therapies for DM, with leaves and roots most commonly used. The activity of only 43 of these species have been verified by rigorous testing, and relatively few studies have examined the mechanism of action.

CONCLUSION

Despite relatively extensive ethnobotanical records and a diverse flora, the anti-diabetic properties of South African medicinal plants is relatively poorly explored. The efficacy of most plants used traditionally to treat DM are yet to be verified and few mechanistic studies are available. Further research is required in this field.

A preventive effect of the combination of albendazole and pomegranate peel aqueous extract treatment in cystic echinococcosis mice model: An alternative approach

To investigate the preventive effect of the combination of albendazole (ABZ) and pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PGE) treatment in cystic echinococcosis, we assess in vivo the antihydatic and the anti-inflammatory effects of the combination of ABZ/ PGE in cystic echinococcosis mice model. To evaluate the in vivo efficacy, mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscolices and then treated with ABZ and/or PGE during cystic echinococcosis development. Mice were randomly allocated into eight groups: ABZ/CE group, PGE/CE group, (ABZ+PGE)/CE group, CE group, and control groups (Ctrl, PBS, ABZ, and PGE groups). Drugs in diverse treated groups were orally administered daily during CE development for two months. Mice were then euthanized and associated indications were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Cyst development and hepatic damage were macroscopically and histologically analyzed. The hepatic expression of iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κβ, vimentin, and CD68 was examined. Interestingly, the association of ABZ and PGE enhanced a significant reduction of the rate of hydatid cyst growth inhibition in comparison to the infected or ABZ-treated groups. This effect was strongly related to the histological structure of liver improvement. A significant iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κβ, vimentin, and CD68 decrease expression was observed in liver tissue of (ABZ+PGE)-treated group compared with infested and ABZ-treated groups. PGE treatment indicates a significant beneficial additive antihydatic effect with a reduction of the liver side effects. The combination of albendazole and PGE treatment is more efficient and suggests its potential preventive value against Echinococcus granulosus infection.

Amelioration of antioxidant potential, toxicity, and antihyperglycemic activity of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Efficacy of several plant extracts in the clinical research for modulating oxidative stress correlated with diabetes mellitus (DM) is well documented. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity, toxicity, and anti-diabetic activity of methanolic extract of Hippophae salicifolia leaves in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic wistar rats. H. salicifolia leaves were found to be rich in antioxidants. The acute toxicity test of methanolic extract of H. salicifolia leaves revealed that the median lethal dose (LD50) was found to be 3.92 g/kg body weight in mice. Administration of H. salicifolia leaves at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in alloxan-induced diabetic rats illustrated significant reduction (22% and 39%, respectively) in fasting blood glucose compared to diabetic control. Both the doses were found to be effective when compared to diabetic rats. The Hippophae-treated diabetic rats showed significant increase in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (50% and 74%, respectively), glutathione peroxidase (57% and 41%, respectively) and decrease in malondialdehyde (33% and 15%, respectively) levels. These results suggested that the methanolic leaf extract of H. salicifolia enhanced the antioxidant defence against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycaemic conditions.

Analysis of toxic, antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Bambusa balcooa (Poaceae) is native to India and has been used traditionally by the tribes of Northeast India to treat diabetes. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the toxicity, anti-diabetic activity along with in vitro antioxidant activity of the leaf of B. balcooa in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and also identify active compounds by using HPLC. The acute toxicity test of aqueous extract of B. balcooa leaf revealed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of B. balcooa aqueous extract (BAQE) was 5.18 g/kg body weight in mice. Administration of BAQE at 100 and 200 mg/kg in alloxan-induced diabetic rats showed significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin while plasma insulin level was elevated compared to diabetic control. Both the doses were effective when compared to diabetic glibenclamide rats. The BAQE treated diabetic rats showed significant increase in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and decrease in malondialdehyde levels. HPLC analysis of BAQE showed the presence of rutin, gallic acid and β sitosterol. Thus, it can be inferred from this study that BAQE possess antidiabetic and in vivo antioxidant activity. The overall activity might be possibly due to the presence of potential antioxidants.

Analysis of toxic, antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. leaf extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Bambusa balcooa (Poaceae) is native to India and has been used traditionally by the tribes of Northeast India to treat diabetes. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the toxicity, anti-diabetic activity along with in vitro antioxidant activity of the leaf of B. balcooa in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and also identify active compounds by using HPLC. The acute toxicity test of aqueous extract of B. balcooa leaf revealed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of B. balcooa aqueous extract (BAQE) was 5.18 g/kg body weight in mice. Administration of BAQE at 100 and 200 mg/kg in alloxan-induced diabetic rats showed significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin while plasma insulin level was elevated compared to diabetic control. Both the doses were effective when compared to diabetic glibenclamide rats. The BAQE treated diabetic rats showed significant increase in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and decrease in malondialdehyde levels. HPLC analysis of BAQE showed the presence of rutin, gallic acid and β sitosterol. Thus, it can be inferred from this study that BAQE possess antidiabetic and in vivo antioxidant activity. The overall activity might be possibly due to the presence of potential antioxidants.

HPLC Evaluation of Phenolic Profile, Nutritive Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Extracts Obtained from Punica granatum Fruit Peel

This study revealed polyphenolic content, nutritive content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic profile of methanol and aqueous extracts of Punica granatum peel extract. For this, extracts were screened for possible antioxidant activities by free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The total phenolics and flavonoid recovered by methanolic (MPE) and the water extract (AQPE) were ranged from 185 ± 12.45 to 298.00 ± 24.86 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/gm and 23.05 ± 1.54 to 49.8 ± 2.14 quercetin (QE) mg/g, respectively. The EC50 of herbal extracts ranged from 100 µg/ml (0.38 quercetin equivalents), for AQPE, 168 µg/ml (0.80 quercetin equivalents), for MPE. The phenolic profile in the methanolic extracts was investigated by chromatographic (HPLC) method. About 5 different flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives including quercetin (1), rutin (2), gallic acid (3), ellagic acid (4), and punicalagin as a major ellagitannin (5) have been identified. Among both extracts, methanolic extract was the most effective. This report may be the first to show nutritive content and correlation analysis to suggest that phenols and flavonoids might contribute the high antioxidant activity of this fruit peel and establish it as a valuable natural antioxidant source applicable in the health food industry.

A Review on Antihyperglycemic and Antihepatoprotective Activity of Eco-Friendly Punica granatum Peel Waste

Over the past decade, pomegranate (Punica granatum) is entitled as a wonder fruit because of its voluminous pharmacological properties. In 1830, P. granatum fruit was first recognized in United States Pharmacopeia; the Philadelphia edition introduced the rind of the fruit, the New York edition the bark of the root and further 1890 edition the stem bark was introduced. There are significant efforts and progress made in establishing the pharmacological mechanisms of peel (pericarp or rind) and the individual constituents responsible for them. This review provides an insight on the phytochemical components that contribute too antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic effect, and numerous other effects of wonderful, economic, and eco-friendly pomegranate peel extract (PP).