Evidences for diabetes and insulin mimetic activity of medicinal plants: Present status and future prospects

A breakthrough in phytochemical profiling: ultra-sensitive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy platform for detecting bioactive components in medicinal and edible plants

A perennial challenge in harnessing the rich biological activity of medicinal and edible plants is the accurate identification and sensitive detection of their active compounds. In this study, an innovative, ultra-sensitive detection platform for plant chemical profiling is created using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology. The platform uses silver nanoparticles as the enhancing substrate, excess sodium borohydride prevents substrate oxidation, and methanol enables the tested molecules to be better adsorbed onto the silver nanoparticles. Subsequently, nanoparticle aggregation to form stable "hot spots" is induced by Ca2+, and the Raman signal of the target molecule is strongly enhanced. At the same time, deuterated methanol was used as the internal standard for quantitative determination. The method has excellent reproducibility, RSD ≤ 1.79%, and the enhancement factor of this method for the detection of active ingredients in the medicinal plant Coptis chinensis was 1.24 × 109, with detection limits as low as 3 fM. The platform successfully compared the alkaloid distribution in different parts of Coptis chinensis: root > leaf > stem, and the difference in content between different batches of Coptis chinensis decoction was successfully evaluated. The analytical technology adopted by the platform can speed up the determination of Coptis chinensis and reduce the cost of analysis, not only making better use of these valuable resources but also promoting development and innovation in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study provides a new method for the development, evaluation, and comprehensive utilization of both medicinal and edible plants. It is expected that this method will be extended to the modern rapid detection of other medicinal and edible plants and will provide technical support for the vigorous development of the medicinal and edible plants industry.

Anti-diabetic compounds from Uvaria dulcis Dunal

Medicinal plants have long been a source of lead compounds for drug discovery. Among these, the Annonaceae family has gained recognition for its potential to yield novel compounds, particularly those that can be used in the development of drugs targeting chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM). We employed various chromatographic methods to isolate bioactive compounds from the roots, leaves, and twigs of Uvaria dulcis Dunal. We used spectroscopic methods to determine the chemical structures of these compounds. We successfully identified twelve known compounds from various parts of U. dulcis: patchoulenon, polygochalcone, 2'3'-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxydihydrochalcone, 2',3'-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxychalcone, chrysin, techochrysin, 8-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone, pinocembrin, 3-farnesylindole, onysilin, cinchonain la, and cinchonain lb. Interestingly, cinchonain la and cinchonain lb exhibited more potent anti-α-glucosidase activity than acarbose (standard drug), with IC50 values of 11.88 ± 1.41 μg/mL and 15.18 ± 1.19 μg/mL, respectively. Cinchonain la inhibited the DPP-IV enzyme, with IC50 value lower than the standard compound (diprotin A) at 81.78 ± 1.42 μg/mL. While 2',3'-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxychalcone show more potent inhibitory effect than standard drug with IC50 value of 8.62 ± 1.19 μg/mL. Additionally, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, cinchonain lb and 2',3'-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxychalcone promoted glucose uptake in L6 myotubes cells to the same extent as 100 nM insulin. These findings suggest that cinchonain la, cinchonain lb, and 2',3'-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxychalcone are the U. dulcis-derived bioactive compounds that hold promise as potential structures to use in the development of anti-diabetic drugs.

Evaluation of phytochemical, antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity profile of Achyranthes aspera aerial part extracts

This investigation was designed and performed to compare the phytochemical profiling, activities of antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity of methanol extract (ME-E) and aqueous extract (AQ-E) of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera through in-vitro approach. Also characterize the functional groups of bioactive compounds in the ME-E through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Interestingly, qualitative phytochemical screening proved that the ME-E contain more number of vital phytochemicals such as phenolics. saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phlobatannins than AQ-E. Similarly, the ME-E showed notable antibacterial activity as dose dependent manner against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1000 μg mL-1 concentration. ME-E also showed 75.2 ± 2% of clot lysis (thrombolytic activity) at 1000 μg mL-1 dosage and it followed by AQ-E 51.24 ± 3%. The ME-E showed moderate and AQ-E demonstrate poor anti-inflammatory activity evidenced by albumin denaturation inhibition and anti-lipoxygenase assays. Furthermore, the ME-E demonstrated a dose dependent cytotoxicity was noted against brine shrimp larvae. In support of this ME-E considerable activities, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed that this extract contain more number peaks attributed to the stretch of various essential functional groups belongs to different bioactive compounds. Hence this ME-E of A. aspera can be considered for further in depth scientific investigations to validate their maximum biomedical potential.

Simiao Wan and its ingredients alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus via IRS1/AKT2/FOXO1/GLUT2 signaling

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease. Simiao Wan (SMW) is a commonly used clinical drug for hyperuricemia treatment. SMW has been confirmed to improve insulin resistance and is expected to be a novel hypoglycemic agent. However, the hypoglycemic bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of action of SMW are unclear.

Objective

To explore the hypoglycemic effects and reveal the mechanisms of SMW and bioactive ingredients (SMW-BI).

Study design and methods

The hypoglycemic effects of SMW and SMW-BI were verified in a mouse model of T2DM induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD). Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanisms of SMW and SMW-BI. Histological analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) verified network pharmacology results. RT-qPCR results were further verified by immunofluorescence (IFC) and molecular docking. The correlation between proteins and biochemical indicators was analyzed by Spearman's correlation.

Results

Chlorogenic acid, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, jateorhizine, palmatine, berberine, and atractydin were identified as SMW-BI. After 8 weeks of treatment, SMW and SMW-BI decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alleviated weight loss, and increased serum insulin levels in T2DM mice. In addition, SMW and SMW-BI improved hepatocyte morphology in T2DM mice, decreased the number of adipocytes, and increased liver glycogen. Network pharmacological analysis indicated that SMW and SMW-BI may exert hypoglycemic by regulating insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT2)/forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)/glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) signaling. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that SMW and SMW-BI were associated with activation of IRS1, AKT2, and GLUT2, and inhibiting FOXO1. RT-qPCR revealed that SMW and SMW-BI could increase levels of IRS1, AKT2, and GLUT2 in the livers of T2DM mice and lower the level of FOXO1. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis showed that FOXO1 expression in the livers of T2DM mice decreased after oral administration of SMW and SMW-BI. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that SMW-BI could bind directly to IRS1 and AKT2.

Conclusion

SMW and SMW-BI are potential hypoglycemic drugs that alleviate T2DM by regulating IRS1/AKT2/FOXO1 signaling. Our study provides a research idea for screening the bioactive ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Natural Products as Outstanding Alternatives in Diabetes Mellitus: A Patent Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome that can be considered a growing health problem in the world. High blood glucose levels are one of the most notable clinical signs. Currently, new therapeutic alternatives have been tackled from clinicians' and scientists' points of view. Natural products are considered a promising source, due to the huge diversity of metabolites with pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, this review aimed to uncover the latest advances in this field as a potential alternative to the current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of DM. This purpose is achieved after a patent review, using the Espacenet database of the European Patent Office (EPO) (2016-2022). Final screening allowed us to investigate 19 patents, their components, and several technology strategies in DM. Plants, seaweeds, fungi, and minerals were used as raw materials in the patents. Additionally, metabolites such as tannins, organic acids, polyphenols, terpenes, and flavonoids were found to be related to the potential activity in DM. Moreover, the cellular transportation of active ingredients and solid forms with special drug delivery profiles is also considered a pharmaceutical technology strategy that can improve their safety and efficacy. From this perspective, natural products can be a promissory source to obtain new drugs for DM therapy.

Pharmacologically Active Phytomolecules Isolated from Traditional Antidiabetic Plants and Their Therapeutic Role for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic complication that affects people of all ages. The increased prevalence of diabetes worldwide has led to the development of several synthetic drugs to tackle this health problem. Such drugs, although effective as antihyperglycemic agents, are accompanied by various side effects, costly, and inaccessible to the majority of people living in underdeveloped countries. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally throughout the ages to treat various ailments due to their availability and safe nature. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals that possess several health benefits. As diabetes continues to become prevalent, health care practitioners are considering plant-based medicines as a potential source of antidiabetic drugs due to their high potency and fewer side effects. To better understand the mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their active phytoconstituents are being isolated and investigated thoroughly. In this review article, we have focused on pharmacologically active phytomolecules isolated from medicinal plants presenting antidiabetic activity and the role they play in the treatment and management of diabetes. These natural compounds may represent as good candidates for a novel therapeutic approach and/or effective and alternative therapies for diabetes.

The combined therapy of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and resveratrol for diabetes: Future applications and challenges

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a worldwide chronic epidemic disease of impaired glucose metabolism. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a promising emerging treatment strategy for diabetes. However, the harsh internal environment of DM patients can inhibit the treatment effects of transplanted MSCs. Fortunately, this adverse effect can be reversed by resveratrol (Res). Therefore, we investigated and summarized relevant studies on the combined treatment of diabetes with MSCs and resveratrol. This review presents the therapeutic effects of this combination therapy strategy on DM in glycemic control, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and anti-fibrotic. Moreover, this review explained the mechanisms of MSCs and resveratrol in diabetes treatment from 3 aspects, including promoting cell survival and inhibiting apoptosis, inhibiting histiocyte fibrosis, and improving glucose metabolism. These findings help to understand in-depth mechanisms of the treatment of DM and help to propose a potential treatment strategy for DM and its complications.

The Effect of Chinese Medicinal Formulas on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in STZ-Induced Diabetic Kidney Disease Rats: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), defined broadly as persistent proteinuria with low estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with diabetes, is a main cause of end-stage renal disease. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species is an important mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of DKD and many antioxidants have been investigated as therapeutic agents. Among them, Chinese medicine antioxidative stress therapies have been widely used to combat DKD, which may offer new insights into therapeutic development of DKD. There are several discrepancies among the efficacy of Western medicine (WM) and Chinese medicinal formula (CMF) action.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, the Web of Science databases, Embase, and Scopus from inception to December 2021 using relevant keywords and a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Calculating the pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% CI by the method of inverse-variance with a random-effect. All the related statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15.1 software (Stata Corporation) and Rvman version 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Center).

Results

A total of 8 articles with the 9 groups including 106 in the model group, 105 in the CMF group, and 99 in the WM group. Pooled data from 8 studies (9 groups) showed a statistical improvement in superoxide dismutase compared with the model group [standardized MD (SMD) = 1.57; 95 CI: 1.16–1.98; P < 0.05] and the WM group (SMD = 0.56; 95 CI: 0.19–0.92; P < 0.05). For glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), it was significantly improved in the CMF group vs. the model group and the WM group. For malondialdehyde (MDA), it was significantly reduced in the CMF group (CMF vs. model group: SMD = −1.52; 95 CI: −1.88 −1.17; P < 0.05; CMF vs. WM group: SMD = −0.64; 95 CI: −0.95 −0.33; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis have demonstrated that the therapy of CMF had a notable curative effect on relieving oxidative stress in STZ-induced DKD rats and CMF was significantly more effective than the WM control group. For the clinical application, the results providing confidence and some theoretical reference for DKD via evaluating the efficacy of CMF to a certain extent.

Systematic Review Registration

[PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022313737].

Flavonoids and Phenols, the Potential Anti-Diabetic Compounds from Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. Stem

Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants are good alternative treatments for T2DM. They are also sources of lead molecules that could lead to new drug discoveries. In this study, Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. stem, a traditional Thai medicinal plant for detoxification, was extracted into five fractions, including crude extract, BsH, BsD, BsE, and BsW, by ethanolic maceration and sequential partition with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water, respectively. Among these fractions, BsE contained the highest amounts of phenolics (620.67 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (131.35 mg QE/g extract). BsE exhibited the maximum inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 1.51 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and DPP-IV (IC₅₀ 2.62 ± 0.03 µg/mL), as well as dominantly promoting glucose uptake on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the four compounds isolated from the BsE fraction, namely resveratrol, epicatechin, quercetin, and gallic acid, were identified. Quercetin demonstrated the highest inhibitory capacity against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 6.26 ± 0.36 µM) and DPP-IV (IC₅₀ 8.25 µM). In addition, quercetin prominently enhanced the glucose uptake stimulation effect on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Altogether, we concluded that quercetin was probably the principal bioactive compound of the B. strychnifolia stem for anti-diabetic, and the flavonoid-rich fraction may be sufficiently potent to be an alternative treatment for blood sugar control.

Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract ameliorated hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and regulated inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder with no definite treatment. Cyperus iria (Cyperaceae) possess several traditional therapeutic uses. According to the folklore tales, the whole plant of Cyperus iria possesses antihyperglycemic activity. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether aqueous-ethanol extract of Cyperus iria can ameliorate the altered activities of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats along with appraisal of inflammatory and stress markers involved in endocrine dysfunction. Presence of biophenolics and flavonoids might be responsible for the antidiabetic potential. STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated orally with Cyperus iria extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples were collected. Metformin was used as positive control. Significantly higher quantities of phenolic (82.79±0.003 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid (13.61±0.002 mg/g QE) contents were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) exhibited an excellent potential for both antioxidant (IC50= 3.22 μg/mL) and alpha amylase (IC50=36.29 μg/mL) inhibitory assays. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the existence of myercetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and ferulic acid. Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract exhibits good tolerance against glucose at 90 min in normal rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined significantly at day 9 (265 mg/dL) along with improvement in inflammatory (TNF-α=15.6± 0.2 g/l, COX-2=357±0.396 U/l, IL-6= 572±0.99 pg/l) and oxidative stress markers (SOD= 163±0.616 and GSH-ST= 95.8±0.44 U/mL) along with biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Present study suggests that Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract possesses hypoglycemic potential which might be attributed to the decrease in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Multi-Mechanistic In Vitro Evaluation of Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant and Antiglycation Activities of Three Phenolic-Rich Indian Red Rice Genotypes and In Silico Evaluation of Their Phenolic Metabolites

The study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of three traditional Indian red rice genotypes/RR (Kattuyanam/KA, Chennangi/CH & Karungkuruvai/KU) using a combination of in vitro, metabolomics (Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry/Q-TOF-LC-MS/MS), and in silico techniques. In terms of antihyperglycemic potential, KA exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against α-amylase; CH against α-glucosidase; and KU against DPPIV and PTP1B enzymes. KA exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) and greater inhibition of protein glycation compared to other RR indicating its potential to mitigate diabetic complications. The metabolomic analysis confirmed the presence of 99 phenolics in the sample extracts (KU-71, KA-70, CH-68). Molecular docking studies revealed seven metabolites to be good inhibitors of the four target enzymes and activators of insulin receptor substrate/IRS. The antihyperglycemic and oxidation-glycation reduction composite index revealed KA to have the highest overall antidiabetic potential. Hence, the RR could be utilized in functional foods with a multi-barrelled strategy for diabetes prevention/management.

Function of selected natural antidiabetic compounds with potential against cancer via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with growing global incidence, as 387 million people were diagnosed in 2014 with an expected projection of 642 million in 2040. Several complications are associated with DM including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and cancer. The latter is the second leading cause of death worldwide accounting for one in every six deaths, with liver, pancreas, and endometrium cancers are the most abundant among patients with diabetes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a vital role in developing a wide array of pathological disorders, among them diabetes and cancer. Natural secondary metabolites that counteract the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be a promising approach in cancer therapy. Here, 717 medicinal plants with antidiabetic activities were highlighted along with 357 bioactive compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity. Also, 43 individual plant compounds with potential antidiabetic activities against cancer via the modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade were identified. Taken together, the available data give an insight of the potential of repurposing medicinal plants and/or the individual secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activities for cancer therapy.

Evaluation on Antidiabetic Properties of Medicinal Plants from Myanmar

Objectives

To explore the effective and safe medicines for treating diabetes.

Methods

Hydroalcoholic extracts of 130 medicinal plants belonging to 66 families were evaluated using porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) inhibition and glucose uptake methods together with a literature review.

Results

The extracts of 22 species showed the PPL inhibition activity; 18 extracts of 15 species stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Among them, Mansonia gagei J.R. Drumm., Mesua ferrea L., and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. exhibited both activities. The extracts of Caladium lindenii (André) Madison rhizomes and Azadirachta indica A. Juss. leaves presented the utmost lipase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 6.86 ± 0.25 and 11.46 ± 0.06 μg/mL, respectively. The extracts of Coptis teeta Wall. rhizomes and Croton tiglium L. seeds stimulated the maximum glucose uptake. Ten species are reported to have antidiabetic activity for the first time. Flavonoids and triterpenoids are the dominant antidiabetic compounds in selected medicinal plants from Myanmar.

Conclusions

P. zeylanica, L. cubeba, H. crenulate, M. gagei, C. teeta, and M. ferrea are worthy to advance further study according to their strong antidiabetic activities and limited research on effects in in vivo animal studies, unclear chemical constitutes, and safety.

Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review

INTRODUCTION

The use of current available treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED) has some limitations that are related to efficacy and adverse effects. Nanotechnology has been used as a new tool in medicine to improve these limitations and new medications potentially to alleviate and cure ED.

AIM

To review the currently literature on new nano medications for ED based on scientific and clinical studies, efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action, and to identify gaps for future research.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed on English publications using different keywords such as "erectile dysfunction", "emerging treatments", "nanotechnology", and "herbal medicine". The retrieved papers were organized into groups according to the sections covered in this review paper.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

We reviewed novel ED treatments such as nanotechnological phosphodiesterase inhibitors, papaverine hydrochloride, sialorphin, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine.

RESULTS

Numerous preclinical studies have addressed novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors nanoparticle, and their recent delivery systems. Nitric oxide, sialorphin, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine loaded nanoparticles and nano adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a potential new treatment for ED. In addition, papaverine-containing nanoparticles have been reported. A limited number of randomized clinical studies have determined the mechanism of these treatments.

CONCLUSION

A literature review on the application of nanotechnology in ED therapy was successfully conducted. New nano medications are promising to treat ED. However, further studies are warranted to further assess their efficacy and safety. Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review. Sex Med 2021;XX:XXXXXX.

New trends in the use of medicinal plants by Algerian diabetic patients, considerations of herb-drug interactions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, with a large prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Numerous studies highlighted the use of medicinal plants for diabetes in Algeria. This use is influenced by cultural considerations. The industrialization of the country leads to the transformation of the trend of the utilization of plants, and the increase of polymedication. In this context, there is no information about the profile of diabetic patients using plants and the potential of herb-drug interactions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective was to evaluate the use of plants by diabetic patients and to search the drug interactions with the most cited species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Descriptive and comparative studies were carried out among diabetic patients and traditional healers, in the west of Algeria, to inventory the plants used in diabetes. Bivariate and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were performed to evaluate the associated factors with the use, to determine the profile of users. Bibliometric research in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTirals was conducted to look for herb-drug interactions.

RESULTS

Results show a decrease in the use of medicinal plants by diabetic patients, in comparison of previous findings, some of which have not been cited by traditional healers. The patients under oral anti-diabetic agents (ODA) have twice the risk to use plants in concomitant with drugs. Olea europea leaves and Trigonella feanum greacum seeds were the most cited herbals. Metformin was the most used drug. Several clinical trials revealed that the anti-diabetic plants had a synergistic effect with ODA, which can increase the hypoglycemia of diabetics. Non-important adverse reactions were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

New trends of the use of medicinal plants by diabetic patients were noted, this is due to the diversification of information sources. Patients under ODA must be educated about the use and the risk of herb-drug interactions.

Water Extract of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Inhibits Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-1B in Insulin-Resistant HepG2 Cells

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mungbean water extract (MWE) on insulin downstream signaling in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Whole seed mungbean was extracted using boiling water, mimicking a traditional cooking method. Vitexin and isovitexin were identified in MWE. The results showed that MWE inhibited protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-1B (IC₅₀ = 10 μg/mL), a negative regulator of insulin signaling. MWE enhanced cellular glucose uptake and altered expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism, including forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β in the insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. In addition, MWE inhibited both α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 36.65 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 3.07 mg/mL). MWE also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (IC₅₀ = 2.28 mg/mL). This is the first study to show that mungbean water extract increased cellular glucose uptake and improved insulin sensitivity of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells through PTP-1B inhibition and modulating the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism. This suggests that mungbean water extract has the potential to be a functional ingredient for diabetes.

Oral Nano Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Available Administration Strategy for Antidiabetic Phytocompounds

In view of the worldwide serious health threat of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), natural sources of chemotherapies have been corroborated as the promising alternatives, with the excellent antidiabetic activities, bio-safety, and more cost-effective properties. However, their clinical application is somewhat limited, because of the poor solubility, instability in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), low bioavailability, and so on. Nowadays, to develop nanoscaled systems has become a prominent strategy to improve the drug delivery of phytochemicals. In this review, we primarily summarized the intervention mechanisms of phytocompounds against T2DM and presented the recent advances in various nanosystems of antidiabetic phytocompounds. Selected nanosystems were grouped depending on their classification and structures, including polymeric NPs, lipid-based nanosystems, vesicular systems, inorganic nanocarriers, and so on. Based on this review, the state-of-the-art nanosystems for phytocompounds in T2DM treatment have been presented, suggesting the preponderance and potential of nanotechnologies.

Growth years and post-harvest processing methods have critical roles on the contents of medicinal active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis

Optimizing the processing technology is an effective way to improve the yield of active ingredients for the industrial production of medicinal crops. Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family and its dried root is used as a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the active ingredients of S. baicalensis have important pharmacological effects including anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammation. Specifically, it is recently found that S. baicalensis has significant curative effects on the treatment of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In recent years, the market demand for the medicinal products of S. baicalensis is increasing because of its great medicinal values. However, the annual yield of active ingredients originated from the root of S. baicalensis is limited due to that little progress has been made on the traditional processing technology used in the extraction process. A pressing issue faced by both herbalists and scientists is how to improve the processing efficiency, thereby obtaining the maximum yield of products for S. baicalensis. In this study, a systematic analysis on the effects of growth years and post-harvest processing on the contents of medicinal active ingredients of S. baicalensis was conducted. The contents of eight active ingredients (baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, scutellarin, scutellarein, apigenin, and chrysin) in roots of S. baicalensis of different growth years (ranging from 1 year to 15 years) were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and further analyzed to determine the optimal harvest period. In particular, the contents of six active ingredients in different parts (cortex and stele) of the root of S. baicalensis were estimated and compared. Meanwhile, the dynamic changes of the contents of active ingredients in fresh-crush and fresh-cut roots of S. baicalensis at room temperature were compared and analyzed to reveal the influence of post-harvest treatment on the contents of active ingredients. In addition, the effects of six different post-harvest treatments on the contents of active ingredients were systematically designed and compared to determine the best primary processing technology. The results showed that the best harvesting period for S. baicalensis should be determined as 2-3 years based on comprehensive evaluation of active ingredient content, annual yield increment, and land use efficiency. The contents of active ingredients including baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, and wogonin in cortex were significantly higher than those in stele (P ≤  0.05). The contents of baicalin, wogonoside, and scutellarin in fresh roots of S. baicalensis significantly reduced as the storage time increased, but the reduction of fresh-cutting was significantly lower than that of fresh-crushing. For the effects of different processing treatments, the contents of four main active ingredients (baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, and wogonin) under drying (D) and cutting-drying (C-D) treatments were significantly higher than those of the other four treatments (P ≤  0.05). Collectively, the above results will not only provide novel processing methods that will improve the yield of active ingredients for S. baicalensis, but also shed light on the optimization of processing technology for the industrial production of medicinal crops.

Cost-Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Albedo versus Turmeric in the Glycemic and Lipaemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Robust evidence has related yellow passion fruit albedo and long turmeric to the metabolic and glycemic control of diabetes.

AIM

To analyze the incremental cost-effectiveness of the flour made from yellow passion fruit albedo versus long turmeric merged with piperine in the glycemic and lipid control of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHOD

Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for 120 days. The first group was prescribed 500 mg capsules, three times a day, of yellow passion fruit albedo flour (FAMA). The second group was prescribed long turmeric capsules (500 mg), merged with piperine (5 mg) (CURPI), at fasting. The third group followed the standard advice recommendations, and ingested a placebo of carboxymethyl cellulose (500 mg) at fasting.

RESULTS

The group using FAMA showed a higher reduction (-5.9%) of glycemia after fasting, compared to placebo (+9%), and CURPI (-3.2%) (p < 0.05). Regarding HbA1c, the study observed a significant and similar statistical reduction (-0.8%) in the intervention groups, in contrast with the placebo group (p < 0.05). The reduction in HOMA-IR in the CURPI group (-9.4%) was higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The CURPI group also showed a higher reduction of serum triglyceride levels (-20.8%) compared to the placebo (-0.09%) and FAMA (+1.8%) (p < 0.05) groups.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that turmeric is the most cost-effective in comparison with yellow passion fruit albedo, because of its decrease in the levels of triglycerides and HOMA-IR, even when adjusted for confounding variables. On the other hand, HbA1c cost-effectiveness relation was similar.

The effect of Rheum ribes L. on oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Objectives Rheum ribes L. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of Polygonaceae, which is often used in traditional therapy because it possesses many bioactivities, such as antioxidant and antibacterial ones. Here we examined the effect of different R. ribes L. extracts on oxidative stress in experimental diabetic rats. Methods Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups as follows: group I, control group; group II, diabetic rats; group III, diabetic rats treated with the aqueous extract of R. ribes L. by gavage at 50 mg/kg for 15 days; group IV, diabetic rats treated by gavage with the ethanolic extract of R. ribes L. at 50 mg/kg for 15 days; group V, nondiabetic rats treated by gavage with the aqueous extract of R. ribes L. at 50 mg/kg for 15 days; group VI, nondiabetic rats treated by gavage with the ethanol extract of R. ribes L. at 50 mg/kg for 15 days. After 15 days, the animals were sacrificed and the liver and kidney tissues of each animal were isolated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the tissue samples were measured, and histopathologic examination was carried out. Results R. ribes L. was effective in reducing the oxidative stress and increasing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes. Increased levels of MDA and decreased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were observed in both the liver and kidney tissues in group II. Decreased levels of MDA and increased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were observed in group III compared with group II. In group IV, decreased levels of MDA and increased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were observed in comparison with group II. Conclusions Diabetes increases oxidative stress and causes a decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. ribes L. decrease oxidative stress activity and increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The ethanol extract of R. ribes L. has a higher antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract.

Promising role of medicinal plants in the regulation and management of male erectile dysfunction

Male erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to incompetency to reaching and retaining adequate penile tumescence for sexual intercourse. Over 152 million men globally suffer from ED and by 2025, the number of affected individuals is anticipated to be around 322 million. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies such as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, alprostadil, penile prosthesis surgery, and hormonal replacement are available for management and recuperation of ED. Nevertheless, such therapies are reported to have adverse effects as well as life-threatening. Accordingly, diversity of medicinal plant species and bioactive active compounds are preferred as therapeutic options because they are natural, abundant, available, low-cost and cause fewer or no side effects. This current review will emphasise the aetiology, risk factors, mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ED, treatments of ED as well as their side effects. It also provides medicinal plants that are proven effective in vivo and in vitro for the mitigation and treatment of male ED. This knowledge could be used in the future in drug discovery for the development of more natural drugs with no side effects.

Therapeutic Effects of 5,7-Dihydroxy-6-Oxoheptadecanoic Acid on Dysglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Other Complications in Diabetic Rats

The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of 5,7-dihydroxy-6-oxoheptadecanoic acid (DHA) from Tiliacora triandra on rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM was induced with a combination of high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ), and diabetic rats were treated with DHA (25 mg/kg) for 30 days. The body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum, and liver biochemical parameters, as well as histological evaluations of the liver and pancreas, were evaluated. Diabetic rats displayed a significant increase in FBG, serum lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver function enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase), creatinine, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) contents. Furthermore, insulin level and liver antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) were significantly reduced in the diabetic rats. Whereas, treatment with DHA significantly reduced FBG, serum lipids, liver function enzymes, serum creatinine, liver MDA, and MPO contents. In addition, treatment with DHA significantly increased serum insulin level and liver SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities. In addition, DHA alleviated histopathological changes in the pancreas and liver caused by T2DM. These results portray the antidiabetic and antioxidative properties of DHA and can be considered as a potential treatment for T2DM.

Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd.: An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae; Purple Fleabane) has a long history of traditional use for the management of several disorders related to skin, central nervous system, kidney, gynecology, gastrointestinal, metabolism, and general health. The review aims to provide updated systematic information on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological uses, toxicity studies, and patented formulations of V. anthelmintica. This review will not only help to identify the research gaps but also provide information to the scientific community for future research requisites.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Empirical searches were conducted on the medicinal plant via significant search engines like Google Scholar, Scopus-Elsevier, Medline, SciFinder, Web of Science, Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) from inception until June 2018. Besides, references from local literature, books, and non-English journals were also included.

RESULTS

Scientific reports revealed that V. anthelmintica is a popular medicinal plant used in local and traditional medicine to manage various disorders. Phytochemical studies have identified 193 chemical constituents amongst which steroids form the most abundant class, followed by terpenes. Crude extracts and isolated compounds exhibited various pharmacological activities such as anti-vitiligo, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipsoriatic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory and also helped in managing pulmonary fibrosis and promoting the synthesis of estrogen. Approximately 45 chemical constituents were found to be biologically active. There are only three toxicity reports and 37 patents available on V. anthelmintica.

CONCLUSION

The review suggests that V. anthelmintica act as a promising source for drug development. The potential uses of V. anthelmintica are owing to the presence of phenolic acids, steroids, fatty acids, and terpenes in its composition. However, further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, chronic toxicological studies, safe dose consumption, and possible interactions with other herbs.

Efficacy of Qurs-e-Gulnar in Ziabetus (type 2 Diabetes Mellitus): a single blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diabetes is a serious threat to global health that respects neither socioeconomic status nor national boundaries. Globally, diabetes is among the top 10 causes of death. Unani system argued the effectiveness of several anti-hyperglycemic drugs, and all such drugs looked-for to be validated on scientifically. Hence a clinical trial was contemplated to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Qurs-e-Gulnar in the management of Diabetes Mellitus.

METHODS

This study was conducted as single blind randomized control, on 40 patients of type 2 diabetes with the test (n=20) and control (n=20) groups for 45 days. Test group received Qurs-e-Gulnar at the dose of three Qurs twice a day, and control group received two capsules Diabeat^® twice a day before meal. Subjective (at 0, 15th, 30th, and 45th) and objective parameters were assessed as pre-post treatment respectively.

RESULTS

After treatment with test compound significant reduction was observed in all the subjective parameters viz. polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and tiredness in comparison of control group. The objective parameters FBS and PPBS was found to be significantly reduced (p<0.001) in both the groups where as HbA1c was found unchanged in test group but control drug showed highly significant reduction in HbA1c (p<0.001).The results were assessed statistically using two tailed Student's t-test, and Fischer exact test.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of above observation it is concluded that the test compound Qurs-e-Gulnar has significant anti-diabetic effect which is evidentially observed both in subjective and objective parameters in test group in comparison of control group (CTRI/2017/07/009060).

Phytochemical content, antioxidant activities and androgenic properties of four South African medicinal plants

Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, and androgenic properties ofPeltophorum africanumSond,Trichilia emeticaVahl,Terminalia sambesiaca, andXimenia caffra.Methods:The finely powdered leaves of the selected plants were extracted using acetone, aqueous, and methanol as solvents. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents were determined from gallic acid and quercetin standard curves. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were evaluated using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) assay. The effect of plant extracts (100-1000 µg/mL) on TM3 Leydig cells was assessed using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. Testosterone levels were measured using ELISA kit.Results:The methanol extracts ofT. sambesiacaandX. caffrarevealed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents (102.13±2.32 mg/g GAE and 1.05±0.04 mg/g QE, respectively) than other plant extracts. The acetone and methanol extracts ofP. africanumrevealed the best IC50value (12.50 ± 0.052 µg/mL) against DPPH than the other plant extracts and ascorbic acid. The MTT assay results showed that all varying concentrations of plant extracts maintained cell viability and were not cytotoxic with IC50values of greater than 20 µg/mL. The methanol extract ofT. sambesiacahad the highest testosterone production at 500 µg/mL (0.399 ng/mL) when compared with the basal control while at the concentration of 500 µg/mL the acetone extracts ofP. africanumandT. sambesiacahad significantly high testosterone production 0.147 and 0.188 ng/mL respectively when compared with basal control.Conclusion:The results reveal that these plants possess antioxidants and androgenic property and suggest the potential use for the treatment of male infertility.

V(v)-Schiff base species induce adipogenesis through structure-specific influence of genetic targets

Appropriately designed Schiff-base substrates enhance V(v)-bioavailability and insulin-mimetic biomolecular gene profiling, inducing adipogenesis in a structure-specific manner.

Detarium microcarpum: A novel source of nutrition and medicine: A review

Detarium microcarpum is a plant indigenous to Africa, which occurs naturally in many African countries, particularly in savannah regions. Its leaves and fruits are used mainly as food and as folk medicine. It has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and hepatitis C inhibitor properties and has been traditionally utilised in cancer treatment. This review examines published work on the nutritional, pharmacological, and traditional uses of Detarium microcarpum. This plant may become valuable if the fruit, stems, roots, and leaves are extracted for nutraceutical purposes.

Novel T-C@AgNPs mediated biocidal mechanism against biofilm associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Bap-MRSA) 090, cytotoxicity and its molecular docking studies

Staphylococcus aureus is a commonly found pathogen that can cause food-spoilage and life threatening infections. However, the potential molecular effects of natural active thymol molecules and chitosan silver nanoparticles (C@AgNPs) in bacteria remain unclear. This gap in the literature has prompted us to study the effects of thymol loaded chitosan silver nanoparticles (T-C@AgNPs) against biofilm associated proteins in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (Bap-MRSA) 090 and also their toxicity, anti-cancer activity, and validation of their in silico molecular docking. The results showed excellent antibacterial activity of T-C@AgNPs against Bap-MRSA 090, having a minimum inhibitory concentration of 100 μg mL-1 and a 10.08 ± 0.06 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). The cyclic voltammogram (CV) analysis clearly showed pore forming of T-C@AgNPs at 300 μg mL-1 concentration, and evidence of the interruption of the electron transport chain was clearly seen. The 200 μg mL-1 concentration exhibited a 52.60 ± 0.25% anti-biofilm property by T-C@AgNPs against Bap-MRSA 090. The T-C@AgNPs showed no toxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (IC50 = 221 ± 0.71 μg mL-1) compared to the control, and anti-cancer activity against human triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) (IC50 110 ± 1.0 μg mL-1) compared to the standard drug Doxorubicin (IC50 = 19 ± 1.0). The excellent properties of T-C@AgNPs were validated by in silico molecular docking studies and showed best match scoring to target proteins compared to standards. These excellent properties of T-C@AgNPs highlight for the first time its pharmacology and potential in medicinal drug development applications for future research.

Defatting of acetone leaf extract of Acacia karroo (Hayne) enhances its hypoglycaemic potential

BACKGROUND

Conventional drugs used to treat diabetes are too expensive, toxic and rarely available to rural communities. This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical differences and hypoglycaemic effects (α-amylase enzyme inhibition, glucose uptake, GLUT4 translocation and phosphorylation of MAPKs) of non-defatted and defatted acetone leaf extract of Acacia karroo.

METHODS

Qualitative phytochemical analyses of extracts were determined using standard chemical tests and total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method. Presence of antioxidant constituents was determined using DPPH scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. Alpha amylase enzyme inhibitory potential was determined chromogenically and cytotoxicity of the extracts on C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 cells using the MTT assay. Glucose uptake by the cells was determined colorimetrically and the most active extract was evaluated for its ability to translocate GLUT4 and MAPKs phosphorylation potential using immunofluorescence microscopy and dot blot analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycosides were detected in both extracts. Defatting of the plant material resulted in low amounts of phenols (0.432 ± 0.014 TAE/mg), DPPH scavenging activity (EC₅₀ 0.40 ± 0.012 mg/ml), low toxicity and high ferric reducing power (EC₅₀ 1.13 ± 0.017 mg/ml), α-amylase enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ 30.2 ± 3.037 μg/ml) and glucose uptake by both cells. The defatted extract showed an increase in GLUT4 translocation (at 25 μg/ml) with decrease in Akt expression while in combination with insulin showed a decrease in GLUT4 translocation. A finding, that is implicative that the effect of the extract on GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 cells was not Akt dependent. The defatted extract in the absence and presence of insulin show varying phosphorylation levels of CREB, p38, GSK-3 and ERK2 which are important in cell survival and metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first report on the hypoglycemic potential of A. karroo and presence of compounds that can be exploited in the search for therapeutics with antidiabetic effect.

Antioxidant, Antiglycation, and Hypoglycaemic Effect of Seriphium plumosum Crude Plant Extracts

Diabetes is a severely debilitating metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia. Traditional medicinal plants provide an important avenue for the development of novel antidiabetic agents. The antidiabetic potential of the methanol, acetone, and hexane extracts of S. plumosum was assessed using different parameters. These included secondary metabolite quantification, hypoglycaemic, cytotoxic effects, and GLUT4 translocation augmentation on C2C12 cells. The methanol extract contained the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds and showed enhanced antioxidant activity. The methanol extracts had the best DPPH scavenging (EC₅₀ = 0.72 mg/ml) and ferric reducing powers (EC₅₀ = 2.31 mg/ml). The hexane extract resulted in the highest glucose uptake activity of 35, 77% with respect to all other treatments after a 6-hour exposure period. Immunocytochemistry technique further revealed that the increased glucose utilisation may be due to increased membrane fused GLUT4 molecules in C2C12 cells. The hexane extract was also shown to upregulate the phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and Akt1/2. The study highlights a probable insulin-mimetic activity of the hexane extract via the augmentation of Akt1/2 phosphorylation which is involved in the GLUT4 translocation pathway. Furthermore, the study represents the first report on the cytotoxic effect, GLUT4 translocation, and glucose uptake potential of S. plumosum.