O-hexadecyl-dextran entrapped berberine nanoparticles abrogate high glucose stress induced apoptosis in primary rat hepatocytes

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Pro-Osteogenic Activities of Polyphenols for the Treatment of Two Different Chronic Diseases: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoporosis

Polyphenols are natural bioactives occurring in medicinal and aromatic plants and food and beverages of plant origin. Compared with conventional therapies, plant-derived phytochemicals are more affordable and accessible and have no toxic side effects. Thus, pharmaceutical research is increasingly inclined to discover and study new and innovative natural molecules for the treatment of several chronic human diseases, like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis. These pathological conditions are characterized by a chronic inflammatory state and persistent oxidative stress, which are interconnected and lead to the development and worsening of these two health disorders. Oral nano delivery strategies have been used to improve the bioavailability of polyphenols and to allow these natural molecules to exert their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and pro-osteogenic biological activities in in vivo experimental models and in patients. Polyphenols are commonly used in the formulations of nutraceuticals, which can counteract the detrimental effects of T2DM and osteoporosis pathologies. This review describes the polyphenols that can exert protective effects against T2DM and osteoporosis through the modulation of specific molecular markers and pathways. These bioactives could be used as adjuvants, in combination with synthetic drugs, in the future to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2DM and osteoporosis.

Chitosan/alginate nanogel potentiate berberine uptake and enhance oxidative stress mediated apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells

Biopolymer-based nanoscale drug delivery systems have become a promising approach to overcome the limitations associated with conventional chemotherapeutics used for cancer treatment. Herein, we reported to develop a hydrophilic nanogel (NG) composed of Chitosan (Chi) and sodium alginate (Alg) using the ion gelation method for delivering Berberine hydrochloride (BBR), an alkaloid obtained from Berberis aristata roots. The use of different nanocarriers for BBR delivery has been reported previously, but the bioavailability of these carriers was limited due to phagocytic uptake and poor systemic delivery. The developed NG showed enhanced stability and efficient entrapment of BBR ∼92 %, resulting in a significant increase in bioavailability. The pH-dependent release behavior demonstrated sustained and effective release of ∼86 %, ∼74 % and, ∼53 % BBR at pH 5.5, 6.6, and 7.4 respectively after 72h, indicating its potential as a drug carrier. Additionally, the cellular uptake of BBR was significantly higher ∼19 % in the BBR-NG (25 μM) than in bulk BBR (100 μM), leading to enhanced ROS generation, mitochondrial depolarisation, and inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation in HepG2 cells. In summary, the results suggest that the Chi/Alg biopolymer-based nano-formulation could be an effective approach for delivering BBR and enhancing its cellular uptake, efficacy, and cytotoxicity.

Comparison of the protective effects of CS/TPP and CS/HPMCP nanoparticles containing berberine in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rat

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a globally critical condition with no available efficient treatments.

METHODS

Herein, we generated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles cross-linked with two different agents, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP; termed as CS/HPMCP) and tripolyphosphate (TPP; termed as CS/TPP), and loaded them with berberine (BBr; referred to as CS/HPMCP/BBr and CS/TPP/BBr, respectively). Alongside the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC), the releasing activity of the nanoparticles was also measured in stimulated gastric fluid (SGF) and stimulated intestinal fluid (SIF) conditions. The effects of the prepared nanoparticles on the viability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also evaluated. Ultimately, the protective effects of the nanoparticles were investigated in ALD mouse models.

RESULTS

SEM images demonstrated that CS/HPMCP and CS/TPP nanoparticles had an average size of 235.5 ± 42 and 172 ± 21 nm, respectively. The LC and EE for CS/HPMCP/BBr were calculated as 79.78% and 75.79%, respectively; while the LC and EE for CS/TPP/BBr were 84.26% and 80.05%, respectively. pH was a determining factor for releasing BBr from CS/HPMCP nanoparticles as a higher cargo-releasing rate was observed in a less acidic environment. Both the BBr-loaded nanoparticles increased the viability of MSCs in comparison with their BBr-free counterparts. In vivo results demonstrated CS/HPMCP/BBr and CS/TPP/BBr nanoparticles protected enzymatic liver functionality against ethanol-induced damage. They also prevented histopathological ethanol-induced damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Crosslinking CS nanoparticles with HPMCP can mediate controlled drug release in the intestine improving the bioavailability of BBr.

Elucidating Berberine's Therapeutic and Photosensitizer Potential through Nanomedicine Tools

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants of the Berberidaceae family, has been gaining interest due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as neuro and cardiovascular protective effects in animal models. Recently, photodynamic therapy demonstrated successful application in many fields of medicine. This innovative, non-invasive treatment modality requires a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen. In particular, the photosensitizer can selectively accumulate in diseased tissues without damaging healthy cells. Berberine's physicochemical properties allow its use as a photosensitising agent for photodynamic therapy, enabling reactive oxygen species production and thus potentiating treatment efficacy. However, berberine exhibits poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, and poor gastrointestinal absorption that hamper its therapeutic and photodynamic efficacy. Nanotechnology has been used to minimize berberine's limitations with the design of drug delivery systems. Different nanoparticulate delivery systems for berberine have been used, as lipid-, inorganic- and polymeric-based nanoparticles. These berberine nanocarriers improve its therapeutic properties and photodynamic potential. More specifically, they extend its half-life, increase solubility, and allow a high permeation and targeted delivery. This review describes different nano strategies designed for berberine delivery as well as berberine's potential as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. To benefit from berberine's overall potential, nanotechnology has been applied for berberine-mediated photodynamic therapy.

Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Aspects of the Alkaloidal Drug Berberine: Current and Future Trends

Traditionally, herbal compounds have been the focus of scientific interest for the last several centuries, and continuous research into their medicinal potential is underway. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants that possess a broad array of medicinal properties, including anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects, and is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine. BBR promotes metabolisms of glucose and lipids by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting functions of mitochondria; all of these ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. BBR has also been shown to have benefits in congestive heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. BBR has been investigated as an interesting pharmacophore with the potential to contribute significantly to the research and development of novel therapeutic medicines for a variety of disorders. Despite its enormous therapeutic promise, the clinical application of this alkaloid was severely limited because of its unpleasant pharmacokinetic characteristics. Poor bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility are some of the obstacles that restricted its use. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a possible solution to these problems. The present review aims at recent updates on important therapeutic activities of BBR and different types of nanocarriers used for the delivery of BBR in different diseases.

In vitro toxic interaction of arsenic and hyperglycemia in mitochondria: an important implication of increased vulnerability in pre-diabetics

Environmental pollutants and lifestyle both contribute to the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. Evidence suggests that exposure to environmental contaminants such as arsenic is associated with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. In the present study, isolated rat liver mitochondria (1 mg/ml) were co-exposed to low concentration of arsenic trioxide (ATO) ( IC₂₅ = 40 µM) and hyperglycemic condition (20, 40, 80, 160 mM glucose or 20, 40, 80, 160 mM pyruvate (PYR)). Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (complex II), glutathione content (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), and mitochondrial swelling were then evaluated in the presence of ATO 40 µM and PYR 40 mM. Unexpectedly, glucose alone (20, 40, 80, 160 mM) had no toxic effect on mitochondria, even at very high concentrations and even when combined with ATO. Interestingly, PYR at low concentrations (≤ 10 mM) has a protective effect on mitochondria, but at higher concentrations (≥ 40 mM) with ATO, it decreased the complex II activity and increased mitochondrial ROS production, lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, mitochondrial membrane damage, and swelling (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PYR but not glucose increased ATO mitochondrial toxicity even at low concentrations. These results suggest that pre-diabetics with non-clinical hyperglycemia, who are inevitably exposed to low concentrations of arsenic through food and water, may develop mitochondrial dysfunction that accelerates their progression to diabetes over time.

Amelioration of diabetes and its complications by Manilkara zapota (L) P. Royen fruit peel extract and its fractions in alloxan and STZ-NA induced diabetes in Wistar rats

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Manilkara zapota (L) P. Royen fruit peel extract (EMZFP) and its fractions in ameliorating diabetes and its complications in alloxan and STZ-NA induced diabetes in Wistar rats.

Methods

Antidiabetic effects of EMZFP were assessed in alloxan (150 mg kg^-1) induced diabetes in differently grouped rats (n=6). Diabetic rats were treated with EMZFP 150, 300, and 600 mg kg^-1 while, glimepiride (0.09 mg kg^-1) was used as a reference standard. Treated animals were assessed for various biological parameters i.e. blood glucose, serum lipids, nephroprotective markers, cardiovascular risk indices, liver glycogen, neuropathy, body weight, and histopathology of kidneys. However, for evaluating antidiabetic effects of fractions (chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, and remaining ethanol fraction) of EMZFP, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg kg^-1)-nicotinamide (120 mg kg^-1/ml) in differently grouped male rats (n=6). Diabetic rats were treated with EMZFP fractions 200 mg kg^-1 however; glibenclamide (10 mg kg^-1) was a reference standard and evaluated for blood glucose, serum lipids, cardiovascular risk indices, and diabetic neuropathy.

Results

EMZFP 300 and 600 mg kg^-1/day demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic effects with augmentation in glycogen content, perfection in serum lipid profile, cardiovascular risk indices, body weight enhancement, nephroprotective effects, beneficial in peripheral neuropathy, and histopathological evidence of reversal of glomerulosclerosis. EMZFP-Et and EMZFP-EA fractions depicted a significant improvement in blood glucose, serum lipid profile, cardiovascular risk indices, and peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion

EMZFP and its Et and EA fractions ameliorated diabetes and its complications by improving glycemic control and associated biochemical alteration.

Highlights

• Manilkara Zapota (L.) P. Royen fruit peel 70% ethanolic extract exert antidiabetic effects• EMZFP significantly ameliorated diabetic biochemical parameters and its complications.• EMZFP-Et and EMZFP-EA fractions exert potential antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic effects and significantly improved cardiovascular risk indices, and peripheral neuropathy.• Studied MZFP can be used as promising natural herbal source of antidiabetic principles.

Emerging nanoformulation strategies for phytocompounds and applications from drug delivery to phototherapy to imaging

Over thousands of years, natural bioactive compounds derived from plants (bioactive phytocompounds, BPCs) have been used worldwide to address human health issues. Today, they are a significant resource for drug discovery in the development of modern medicines. Although many BPCs have promising biological activities, most of them cannot be effectively utilized in drugs for therapeutic applications because of their inherent limitations of low solubility, structural instability, short half-life, poor bioavailability, and non-specific distribution to organs. Researchers have utilized emerging nanoformulation (NF) technologies to overcome these limitations as they have demonstrated great potential to improve the solubility, stability, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of BPCs. This review exemplifies NF strategies for resolving the issues associated with BPCs and summarizes recent advances in their preclinical and clinical applications for imaging and therapy. This review also highlights how innovative NF technologies play a leading role in next-generation BPC-based drug development for extended therapeutic applications. Finally, this review discusses the opportunities to take BPCs with meaningful clinical impact from bench to bedside and extend the patent life of BPC-based medicines with new formulations or application to new adjacent diseases beyond the primary drug indications.

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Natural bioactive phytocompounds derived from plants have been used worldwide to address human health issues. However, most of them cannot be effectively utilized in drugs for therapeutic applications because of their inherent limitations.

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Nanoformulation approach has recently been underlined as an emerging pharmaceutical strategy to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of bioactive phytocompounds.

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Various types of nanoformulation and their up-to-date applications for targeted delivery, phototherapy, and imaging are reviewed. Finally, their clinical implications for the repurposing of bioactive phytocompounds are deliberated.

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.

Nanoparticles based on complex of berberine chloride and polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acid with antioxidant and in vitro antitumor activities

Berberine chloride (Brb) is a natural isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid that displayed a set of beneficial biological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. Brb is poorly soluble in water and body fluids and its intestinal absorption is very low, which predetermine its low bioavailability. Polymeric nanoparticles seem to be a good platform to overcome these drawbacks. In this study, for the first time, stable aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) based on complexes of Brb and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), were successfully prepared by mixing their dilute aqueous solutions as evidenced by the performed dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. It was found that the mean diameter and zeta potential of NPs depended on the Brb molar fraction. In the case of Brb/PMA and Brb/PAA NPs the encapsulation efficiency was observed to approach a maximum value of 58.9 ± 0.5% and of 78.4 ± 0.9%, respectively, at values of Brb molar fraction at which maximum amount of complexes was obtained. The performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that Brb incorporated in the NPs was in the amorphous state. The Brb release profile was pH-dependent. The Brb-containing NPs displayed good antioxidant capacity close to that of free Brb. In vitro cell viability studies demonstrated that the Brb/PMA (PAA) NPs exerted a higher cytotoxicity against HeLa tumor cell than non-tumor BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. Thus, the obtained NPs are promising candidates in the drug delivery systems in the treatment of cervical tumors.

Plant-Based Antidiabetic Nanoformulations: The Emerging Paradigm for Effective Therapy

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening metabolic syndrome. Over the past few decades, the incidence of diabetes has climbed exponentially. Several therapeutic approaches have been undertaken, but the occurrence and risk still remain unabated. Several plant-derived small molecules have been proposed to be effective against diabetes and associated vascular complications via acting on several therapeutic targets. In addition, the biocompatibility of these phytochemicals increasingly enhances the interest of exploiting them as therapeutic negotiators. However, poor pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical attributes of these phytochemicals largely restrict their clinical usefulness as therapeutic agents. Several pharmaceutical attempts have been undertaken to enhance their compliance and therapeutic efficacy. In this regard, the application of nanotechnology has been proven to be the best approach to improve the compliance and clinical efficacy by overturning the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical obstacles associated with the plant-derived antidiabetic agents. This review gives a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the nanoformulations of phytochemicals in the management of diabetes and associated complications. The effects of nanosizing on pharmacokinetic, biopharmaceutical and therapeutic profiles of plant-derived small molecules, such as curcumin, resveratrol, naringenin, quercetin, apigenin, baicalin, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, berberine, gymnemic acid, emodin, scutellarin, catechins, thymoquinone, ferulic acid, stevioside, and others have been discussed comprehensively in this review.

Potential cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects of berberine on gynaecological cancers with drug-associated resistance

Gynaecological disorders, such as cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are the second most prevalent cancer types in women worldwide. Therapeutic approaches for gynaecological cancers involve chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, lifespan is not improved, and novel medications are required. Among various phytochemicals, berberine, a well-known natural product, has been shown to be a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of berberine have been investigated in the several experiments against numerous diseases. Here, we aimed to provide a literature review from available published investigations showing the anticancer effects of berberine and its various synthetic analogues against gynaecological disorders, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. In conclusion, berberine has been found to efficiently inhibit viability, proliferation, and migration of cancer cells, mainly, via induction of apoptosis by both mitochondrial dependent and -independent pathways. Additionally, structural modification of berberine showed that berberine analogues can improve its antitumor effects against gynaecological cancers.

Nanoformulations of natural products for management of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder which has become a public health challenge worldwide. There has been growing interest in medications including natural products as complementary or alternative choices for common chemical therapeutics regarding their limited side effects and ease of access. Nanosizing these compounds may help to increase their solubility, bioavailability, and promisingly enhance their efficacy. This study, for the first time, provides a comprehensive overview of the application of natural-products-based nanoformulations in the management of metabolic syndrome. Different phytochemicals including curcumin, berberine, Capsicum oleoresin, naringenin, emodin, gymnemic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, scutellarin, stevioside, silybin, baicalin, and others have been nanosized hitherto, and their nanosizing method and effect in treatment and alleviating metabolic syndrome have been reviewed and discussed in this study. It has been discovered that there are several pathways or molecular targets relevant to metabolic disorders which are affected by these compounds. Various natural-based nanoformulations have shown promising effect in treatment of metabolic syndrome, and therefore can be considered as future candidates instead of or in conjunction with pharmaceutical drugs if they pass clinical trials successfully.

Dual-functionalised shellac nanocarriers give a super-boost of the antimicrobial action of berberine

We have developed highly efficient antimicrobial nanocarriers for berberine (BRB) based on shellac nanoparticles (NPs) which were surface-functionalised with a surface active polymer, Poloxamer 407 (P407), and the cationic surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTAB). These shellac nanocarriers were produced in a two-step process which involves: (i) a pH change from aqueous ammonium shellac solution using P407 as a steric stabilizer in the presence of berberine chloride, and (ii) addition of ODTAB to yield shellac nanocarriers of cationic surface. We determined the BRB encapsulation efficiency and release profiles from such nanocarriers. We explored the antimicrobial action of these nanocarriers at different stages of their preparation which allowed us gain better understanding how they work, fine tune their design and reveal the impact of the nanoparticle coatings on to its antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial action of BRB loaded within such shellac NPs with cationic surface functionality was examined on three different microorganisms, C. reinhardtii, S. cerevisiae and E. coli and compared with the effect of free BRB as well as non-coated BRB-loaded nanocarriers at the same BRB concentrations. We found that the cationic surface coating of the shellac NPs strongly amplified the efficiency of the encapsulated BRB across all tested microorganisms. The effect was attributed to the increased attraction between the ODTAB-coated BRB-loaded NPs and the anionic surface of the cell walls which delivers locally high BRB concentration. This nanotechnological approach could lead to more effective antimicrobial and disinfecting agents, dental formulations for plaque control, wound dressings, antialgal/antibiofouling formulations and antifungal agents.

The Degradation Products of Ascorbic Acid Inhibit Amyloid Fibrillation of Insulin and Destabilize Preformed Fibrils

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an important antioxidant and enzyme cofactor in many biochemical processes. Most biological activities of AsA are closely related to its redox properties. Recent investigations have demonstrated that AsA is associated with amyloid-related diseases and can inhibit amyloid aggregation of polypeptides. In the present study, we determined the kinetics of AsA degradation and investigated the anti-amyloidogenic activities of AsA and its degradation products by utilizing insulin as a model polypeptide. The results showed that the half-life of AsA varied with the pH of the medium and the incubation temperature. The degradation products of AsA inhibited insulin fibrillation, with an activity positively correlated to the degree of AsA degradation. The degradation species, compared with intact AsA, also showed a stronger disruptive effect on mature amyloid fibrils and significantly decreased fibrillar cytotoxicity. Dehydroascorbic acid and diketogulonic acid, two key intermediates in AsA degradation, had similar anti-amyloidogenic activity toward the degradation species of AsA. The results of this work indicate that degradation of natural antioxidants must be considered when evaluating their anti-amyloidogenic effects. These insights into the action of AsA may also provide a novel route to understand its physiological/pharmacological roles in amyloid-related diseases.

Enhanced antimicrobial effect of berberine in nanogel carriers with cationic surface functionality

We report a strong enhancement in the antimicrobial action of berberine encapsulated into polyacrylic acid-based nanogels followed by further surface functionalisation with a cationic polyelectrolyte (PDAC). Due to the highly developed surface area, the nanogel carrier amplifies the contact of berberine with microbial cells and increases its antimicrobial efficiency. We show that such cationic nanogel carriers of berberine can adhere directly to the cell membranes and maintain a very high concentration of berberine directly on the cell surface. We demonstrated that the antimicrobial action of the PDAC-coated nanogel loaded with berberine on E. coli and C. reinhardtii is much higher than that of the equivalent solution of free berberine due to the electrostatic adhesion between the positively charged nanogel particles and the cell membranes. Our results also showed a marked increase in their antimicrobial action at shorter incubation times compared to the non-coated nanogel particles loaded with berberine under the same conditions. We attribute this boost in the antimicrobial effect of these cationic nanocarriers to their accumulation on the cell membranes which sustains a high concentration of released berberine causing cell death within much shorter incubation times. This study can provide a blueprint for boosting the action of other cationic antimicrobial agents by encapsulating them into nanogel carriers functionalised with a cationic surface layer. This nanotechnology-based approach could lead to the development of more effective wound dressings, disinfecting agents, antimicrobial surfaces, and antiseptic and antialgal/antibiofouling formulations.

Navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and naringenin have anti-diabetic potentials in type 2 diabetic rats

The therapy of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) stays a challenging issue. During the last decade, there has been an interest in the expansion of anti-diabetic drugs especially those of natural sources. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and the anti-hyperlipidemic effects as well as the anti-oxidant activities of navel orange hydroethanolic extract and its constituting flavonoids naringin and naringenin on nicotineamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. To induce T2DM, 16h-fasted rats were intraperitoneally injected with STZ at dose of 50mg/kg body weight (b. w.), 15min after the intraperitoneal administration of NA (120mg/kg b. w.). The NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats were orally treated with navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and narengenin at dose level of 100mg/kg b. w./day for 4 weeks. The treatments with navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and narengenin potentially alleviated the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels, the depleted liver glycogen content, the elevated liver glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities, the deteriorated serum lipid profile, and the suppressed liver antioxidant defense system of NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The treatments also enhanced the mRNA expression of insulin receptor β-subunit, GLUT4 and adiponectin in adipose tissue of STZ/NA-induced type 2 diabetic rats. In conclusion, the navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and naringenin have potent anti-diabetic effects in NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats via their insulinotropic effects and insulin improving action which in turn may be mediated through enhancing insulin receptor, GLUT4 and adiponectin expression in adipose tissue.

Application of berberine on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) performs a good clinical practice and is showing a bright future in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). TCM treatment has certain advantages of less toxicity and/or side effects, and herbs could provide multiple therapeutic effects. Berberine (BBR) is a classical natural medicine. In this review, we summarize the application of BBR in the treatment of DM from two aspects. First, modern pharmacological effects of BBR on glucose metabolism are summarized, such as improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting gluconeogenesis in liver, stimulating glycolysis in peripheral tissue cells, modulating gut microbiota, reducing intestinal absorption of glucose, and regulating lipid metabolism. BBR is used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DPN), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetic cardiomyopathy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Second, the clinical application of BBR is reviewed, such as listing some clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of BBR, explaining applicable stage and syndrome, the reasonable dose and dose formulation, and the toxicity and/or side effects. This review provides scientific evidence about BBR, as well as introducing some traditional Chinese medical theory and clinical experience, in order to guide clinician to use BBR more suitably and reasonably.

Naringenin accords hepatoprotection from streptozotocin induced diabetes in vivo by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic signaling cascade

Diabetic complications cause noticeable liver damage, which finally progresses to diabetic hepatopathy. Nutritive antioxidants not only reduce the liver damage, but also prevent it by modulating the release of various proteins involved in apoptotic signaling cascades. This study explores the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced liver damage and its modulation by naringenin. Antioxidant status, liver & kidney biomarker enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of apoptotic proteins like Bax (bcl-2 associated X), Bcl-2 (b-cell Lymhoma-2), Caspase-3, Caspase-9, AIF (Apoptosis inducing factor) and Endo-G (Endonuclease-G) were studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Significant hyperglycemia, disturbed antioxidant status, altered carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, increased ROS and lipid peroxidation; decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced release of AIF and Endo-G were observed. Hyperglycemia also affected apoptosis and its related genes at both transcriptional and translational level (Caspase-3 & 9, Bax and Bcl-2) in the liver of diabetic rats. Naringenin, a flavonone, exerted anti-hyperglycemic effect and was able to prevent oxidative stress and resultant apoptotic events caused due to diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, our study shows, a protective effect of naringenin against diabetes induced liver damage and redox imbalance, which could further be exploited for the management of diabetic hepatopathy.