Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity of Apis mellifera bee tea

In vitro Assessment of Free Radical Scavenging Effect and Thermal Protein Denaturation Inhibition of Bee Venom for an Anti-Inflammatory Use

Inflammation and the injuries produced by free radicals are interconnected and influence each other. The underlying mechanisms of inflammation are partially attributed to the release of free radicals by immune cells, prooxidants that can also cause protein alteration. This study was performed in order to assess the potential anti-inflammatory effect of two bee venom samples harvested from Apis mellifera. Free radical scavenging capacity was investigated using DPPH and ABTS.+ tests and protective effect on proteins through the inhibitory activity on thermal denaturation of albumin.

Retinoid X Receptor Activation Prevents Diabetic Retinopathy in Murine Models

Previously, the RXR agonist UAB126 demonstrated therapeutic potential to treat obese mice by controlling blood glucose levels (BGL) and altering the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of UAB126 on the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rodent models of type 1 diabetes (T1D), streptozotocin-induced, and type 2 diabetes (T2D), in db/db mice. UAB126 treatment was delivered either by oral gavage for 6 weeks or by topical application of eye drops for 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the retinal function of diabetic mice was assessed by electroretinography (ERG), and their retinal tissue was harvested for protein and gene expression analyses. Bone-marrow cells were isolated and differentiated into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The glycolysis stress test and the 2-DG glucose uptake analysis were performed. Our results demonstrated that in the UAB126-treated diabetic BMDMs, the ECAR rate and the 2-DG uptake were improved as compared to untreated diabetic BMDMs. In UAB126-treated diabetic mice, hyperglycemia was reduced and associated with the preservation of ERG amplitudes and enhanced AMPK activity. Retinas from diabetic mice treated with topical UAB126 demonstrated an increase in Rxr and Ppar and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Altogether, our data indicate that RXR activation is beneficial to preclinical models of DR.

Retinoid X Receptor activation prevents diabetic retinopathy in murine models

Previously, the RXR agonist UAB126 demonstrated therapeutic potential to treat obese mice by controlling blood glucose levels (BGL) and altering the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. The purpose of the study was to assess UAB126 effect in progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rodent models of Type1 diabetes (T1D), streptozotocin-induced, and Type2 diabetes (T2D), the db/db mice. UAB126 treatment was delivered either by oral gavage for 6 weeks or by topical application of eye drops for 2 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the retinal function of diabetic mice was assessed by electroretinography (ERG), and their retinal tissue was harvested for protein and gene expression analyses. Bone-marrow cells were isolated and differentiated into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The glycolysis stress test and the 2-DG glucose uptake analysis were performed. Our results demonstrated that in the UAB126-treated diabetic BMDMs, the ECAR rate and the 2-DG uptake were improved as compared to untreated diabetic BMDMs. In UAB126-treated diabetic mice, hyperglycemia was reduced and associated with the preservation of ERG amplitudes and enhanced AMPK activity. Retinas from diabetic mice treated with topical UAB126 demonstrated an increase in Rxr and Ppar, and expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Altogether, our data indicate that RXR activation is beneficial to preclinical models of DR.

Edible Insects in Thailand: An Overview of Status, Properties, Processing, and Utilization in the Food Industry

Edible insects have become increasingly popular in Thailand as a nutritious and appealing alternative food source. As the edible insect industry in the country expands rapidly, efforts are being made to transform it into an economically viable sector with substantial commercial potential. Some of the most consumed and sold edible insects in Thailand include locusts, palm weevils, silkworm pupae, bamboo caterpillars, crickets, red ants, and giant water bugs. With its strong growth, Thailand has the potential to emerge as a global leader in the production and promotion of edible insect products. Edible insects are an excellent source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, crickets and grasshoppers are protein-rich, with the average protein content of edible insects ranging from 35 to 60 g/100 g of dry weight or 10 to 25 g/100 g of fresh weight. This surpasses the protein content of many plant-based sources. However, the hard exoskeleton of insects, which is high in chitin, can make them difficult to digest. In addition to their nutritional value, edible insects contain biologically active compounds that offer various health benefits. These include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase, elastase-inhibitory, α-glucosidase-inhibitory, pancreatic lipase-inhibitory, antidiabetic/insulin-like/insulin-like peptide (ApILP), antidiabetic, anti-aging, and immune-enhancing properties. The Thai food industry can process and utilize edible insects in diverse ways, such as low-temperature processing, including refrigeration and freezing, traditional processing techniques, and incorporating insects into products, such as flour, protein, oil, and canned food. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the status, functional properties, processing, and utilization of edible insects in Thailand, and it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in edible insects and provides guidance for their application in various fields.

Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review

Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.

Beneficial Effects of Bauhinia rufa Leaves on Oxidative Stress, Prevention, and Treatment of Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice

Obesity is an epidemic disease worldwide, associated with oxidative stress and the development of several other diseases. Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud. is a native Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant popularly used for the treatment of obesity. In this context, we investigated the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of B. rufa leaves (MEBr) and evaluated the antioxidant activity and its impact on the prevention and treatment of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD 60%). Additionally, the acute oral toxicity of MEBr was evaluated. In MEBr, 17 glycosylated compounds were identified, including myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, coumaroyl, cyanoglucoside, and megastigmane. In vitro, MEBr showed antioxidant activity in different methods: DPPH•, ABTS•+, FRAP, iron-reducing power, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of DNA fragmentation. In human erythrocytes, MEBr increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Under oxidative stress, MEBr reduced oxidative hemolysis, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels generated in erythrocytes. Mice treated acutely with MEBr (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity. During 90 days, the mice received water or MEBr simultaneously with HFD for induction of obesity. At this stage, MEBr was able to reduce the gain of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) and prevent the increase of MDA in the heart and brain. After 180 days of HFD for obesity induction, mice that received MEBr simultaneously with HFD (HFD-MEBr) in the last 60 days of treatment (120-180 days) showed a reduction of retroperitoneal and mesenteric WAT deposits and MDA levels in the heart, liver, kidney, and brain, compared to the HFD-Control group. These effects of MEBr were similar to mice treated with sibutramine (HFD-Sibutramine, 2 mg/kg). Combined, the results show that compounds from the leaves of B. rufa affect controlling oxidative stress and actions in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Thus, associated oxidative stress reduction and body composition modulation, in obese people, can contribute to the prevention of obesity-related comorbidities and improve quality of life.

Effect of honey bee venom on the histological changes of testes and hormonal disturbance in diabetic mice

Background and Aim:

Hyperglycemia associated with hyper- or hypo-insulinemia is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is firmly linked to decreased male infertility. Recently, bee venom (BV) has shown potential health prosperities, including antidiabetic; however, no study focuses on the effect of BV on male fertility in diabetic conditions. This study aimed to detect the effect of BV on histological and hormonal alteration of the testis in diabetic mice.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty adult male mice were selected and assigned to four groups: Control, diabetic (150 mg/kg alloxan), BV1 (diabetic + 0.5 mg/kg BV), and BV2 (diabetic + 1 mg/kg BV). After 35 days, the serum levels of glucose, insulin, testosterone, follicular-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin were estimated. The histological structure of the testes was also evaluated.

Results:

Alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and decreased insulin concentrations were reversed significantly by BV. Furthermore, diabetic mice exhibited various alterations in fertility hormones, while these disturbances were improved considerably to normal concentrations by BV. Similarly, alloxan-induced changes in sperm and testis histological parameters such as motility, viability, abnormality, sperm count, the number and diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of Leydig and Sertoli cells were significantly ameliorated to the normal condition by BV. Changes in the number, size, and shape of seminiferous tubules, the number of Leydig and Sertoli cells, and initial degeneration and vacuolization in interstitial cells and spermatogonia and spermatocyte were seen in diabetic mice. All these changes were shifted almost to normal structure by BV.

Conclusion:

The BV could be used as an alternative therapeutic agent that manages the markers related to diabetic conditions concomitant with the improved histological structure of the testes and hormone production to accelerate male fertility.

Clinical Application of Bioextracts in Supporting the Reproductive System of Animals and Humans: Potential and Limitations

There is an increasing demand of spices and herbs in developing countries due to the beneficial effects of plants and herbal preparations as medicines. The basic technological process of obtaining extracts from natural raw materials is extraction, consisting in etching with solvents. Plant extracts are extremely complex, multicomponent mixtures obtained from flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, twigs, or seeds of various plant materials. They are a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamins. The search for alternative methods of treatment is increasingly replacing the scientists' excessive focus on the healing properties of bioextracts. Recent research offers great hope for the development of alternative methods to improve the reproductive system. The use of animal models in experimental research has increased knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of bioextracts on both male and female reproductive systems and reproductive cells. Demonstrating the positive effect of plant extracts creates new opportunities for the use of biowaste, which is a by-product in various production sectors. The aim of this review is to present the functional properties of extracts of natural origin, a cross section of modern methods of their preparation, and a discussion of the possibilities of their use in the auxiliary reproductive system.

Antidiabetic effect of Sophora pachycarpa seeds extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: a statistical evaluation

Undoubtedly, identification of the chemical composition of organic extracts or secondary metabolites of plant materials and evaluation of their potential bioactivity are among the main objectives of natural products-based investigations. In the present study, we report the chemical composition and antidiabetic activity of Sophora pachycarpa (Family Fabaceae) seeds extract (SPE) for the first time. First, the plant seeds were macerated in ethanol. The extract was subjected to analysis on a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system to identify the chemical composition. In vivo assay was run to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract. Forty mice were divided into four groups, namely healthy mice, untreated diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with metformin and diabetic mice treated with SPE. The antidiabetic activity of SPE was analyzed using three statistical methods, namely analysis of variance, K-means, and principal component analysis. According to GC-MS analysis, alkaloids of sophoridine, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid were among the most abundant constituent components of SPE. The extract also exhibited a notable antidiabetic activity and remarkably decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzymes. The statistical analyses revealed there are no significant differences between the ability of SPE and metformin in the regulation of fasting blood sugar level and liver enzymes (ALP, SGPT, and SGOT). A quinolizidine alkaloid, namely sophoridine, along with fatty acids, viz oleic, linoleic, and n-hexadecanoic acid, were characterized as the major compounds in S. tachycardia seeds extract. The plant extract was also found as a potent agent to reduce blood glucose and liver enzymes.

Hypoglycemic and Antihyperglycemic Activities of 80% Methanol Root Extract of Acanthus polystachyus Delile (Acanthaceae) in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background

The morbidity and mortality rate from diabetic mellitus are increasing in the world especially in low- and middle-income countries; hence, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants to support existing drugs in treating diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of 80% methanol root extract of Acanthus polystachyus in normoglycemic, hyperglycemic, and streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Male albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6) in all three models. In all models, group one rats served as a negative control and were received vehicle (10mL/kg distilled water), whereas group two (APRE100), three (APRE200), and four (APRE400) were treated with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg of extract, respectively, and group five were treated with glibenclamide (5mg/kg) and served as a positive control. Blood glucose levels were measured at different time points by taking blood from their tails. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to carry out comparisons between and within-group and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The root of Acanthus polystachyus reduces peak blood sugar levels significantly after the loading of oral glucose at all tested doses. In streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats, the daily oral administration of the crude extracts showed a significant reduction of blood glucose level at all tested doses compared to the negative control group. However, the extract did not reduce blood glucose levels in normoglycemic rats at all tested doses compared to both negative and positive control.

Conclusion

From this study, it can be concluded that the root extract of Acanthus polystachyus showed an antihyperglycemic effect in hyperglycemic and diabetic rats but lack hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic rats. Hence, the plant root may be a good candidate for the development of new antidiabetic drugs.

Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential

Infertility, a couple's inability to conceive after one year of unprotected regular intercourse, is an important issue in the world. The use of natural products in the treatment of infertility has been considered as a possible alternative to conventional therapies. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and the mechanisms of various natural products on infertility. We collected articles regarding infertility and natural products using the research databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Several natural products possess antioxidant properties and androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. Antioxidants are the first defense barrier against free radicals produced by oxidative stress (OS). They remove reactive oxygen stress (ROS), reducing insulin resistance, total cholesterol, fat accumulation, and cancer growth. Moreover, various natural products increase endometrial receptivity and fertility ability showing androgenic activities on productive factors and hormones. For example, Angelica keiskei powder and Astragalus mongholicus extract showed anti-infertility efficacies in males and females, respectively. On the other hand, adverse effects and acute toxicity of natural products were also reported. Tripterygium glycoside decreased fertility ability both in males and females. Results indicate that management of infertility with natural products could be beneficial with further clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effect.

The Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Bottlebrush Plant (Callistemon lanceolatus) Stem Extracts

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease, is a major health concern today throughout the world. Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae), commonly known as bottlebrush, has been used by Indian tribal communities for the treatment of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem of C. lanceolatus in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Phytoconstituents of C. lanceolatus stem were extracted in methanol and water sequentially followed by phytochemical analysis. The in vitro antioxidant potential of aqueous and methanolic extracts was assessed by metal ion chelating, free radical scavenging, and reducing power assays. The in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of the oral methanolic extract was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored regularly. After the treatment period, serum was examined for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), bilirubin, creatinine, urea, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Methanolic extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity to aqueous extract. A marked increase in levels of serum markers, viz., glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP along with a reduction in HDL was observed in diabetic rats. Methanol extract treatment for 28 days accounted for a decrease in blood glucose and other metabolic markers accompanied by an improvement in body weight and HDL level in hyperglycemic rats. Conclusions: The present study suggests that C. lanceolatus methanolic stem extract possesses antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities and has potential as a therapeutic agent in diabetes.

Curcumin combined with metformin decreases glycemia and dyslipidemia, and increases paraoxonase activity in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Combination of current antidiabetic agents with natural antioxidants to manage diabetes mellitus and its complications has appeared as an emerging trend. Curcumin, a yellow pigment isolated from Curcuma longa rhizomes, has gained attention due to its beneficial effects in controlling the disturbances observed in diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate if yoghurt enriched with curcumin and metformin, individually or as mixtures, ameliorates physiometabolic parameters, glycoxidative stress biomarkers, and paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) activity in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-diabetic rats (6-week-old Wistar rats) were treated for 30 days with curcumin and metformin, isolated or as mixtures in yoghurt (10 rats/group). After treatments, the plasma levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, a biomarker of lipid oxidation), fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and the activity of PON 1, an antioxidant enzyme were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test.

RESULTS

Treatment of diabetic rats with curcumin or metformin alone decreased the plasma levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, TBARS, and fluorescent AGEs, as well as increased the activity of PON 1. The combination of metformin with curcumin further decreased dyslipidemia and TBARS levels in diabetic rats, indicating synergy, and maintained the high levels of PON 1.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that curcumin combined with metformin may act synergistically on dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, as well as increased PON 1 levels. Therefore, it might be a promising strategy for combating diabetic complications, mainly the cardiovascular events.