Effect of Rubus anatolicus Leaf Extract on Glucose Metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 Cell Lines

Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic Efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Extract and Their Silver Nanoparticles on Muscle and Pancreatic Cell Lines

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, a member of the Zygophyllaceae family, is commonly known as the desert date. This tree is famous for yielding edible fruits and is esteemed for its nutritional richness and diverse health advantages. The primary aim of this research was to assess the potential antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects of seed extracts from B. aegyptiaca and its AgNPs for the first time on C2C12 and MIN6 cells, focusing on glucose uptake and insulin secretion, respectively. Additionally, the seed extracts underwent column chromatography through different solvent systems, resulting in the isolation of five distinct fractions with a mixture of methanol and water as an eluting solvent in different ratios. Comprehensive characterization of the aqueous seed extract was carried out using GC-MS and UPLC-MS. The study determined that the aqueous seed extract exhibited no toxicity at any tested concentration (6.25-100 μg/mL) on both cell types. The calculated IC50 values were 206.00 and 140.44 μg/mL for C2C12 and MIN6 cells, respectively, for seeds of AgNPs. Additionally, the aqueous seed extract and their AgNPs significantly increased glucose uptake by 150.45% and 156.00% of the control in C2C12 cells at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Insulin secretion was also notably enhanced by 3.47- and 3.92-fold of the control after administering seed extracts and AgNPs, respectively, at 100 μg/mL. GC-MS and UPLC-MS analyses identified various compounds across different categories. Notably, the F2 fraction (methanol and water in ratio of 80:20 as eluting solvent) exhibited the highest glucose uptake activity (156.81% of control), while the F3 fraction (methanol and water in ratio of 70:30 as eluting solvent) fraction demonstrated the highest insulin secretion activity (3.70 folds of the control) among all fractions at 100 μg/mL. GC-MS analysis was employed to characterize both fractions, aiming to identify the compounds contributing to their antidiabetic potential. The study's findings concluded that both seed extracts and their AgNPs possess significant antidiabetic properties, with elevated activity observed in the case of AgNPs in both assays. Various compounds, including diosgenin, oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid esters were detected in the seed extracts, known for their reported antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects.

Untapped potential of non-conventional rubus species: bioactivity, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities

Rubus species holds promise as a valuable source of polyphenols and bioactive compounds, offering significant potential as functional food ingredients with both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits. However, many edible species within this genus remain under-explored and their importance is largely unrecognized. This review aims to provide an overview of the nutritional and bioactive components of both explored and under-explored Rubus species, highlighting their potential health advantages, value addition, and recent advancements. The economic exploitation of Rubus is currently limited to a few cultivated species, while numerous non-conventional and wild edible species are overlooked. Recognizing the economic and nutritional significance of exploited Rubus species, it is imperative to explore the untapped potential of these underutilized plants. By doing so, these species can be preserved from endangerment and contribute to nutritional and livelihood security for communities having access to them. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding the exceptional characteristics of Rubus species as "superfoods" and encourages the promotion and cultivation of these unexplored species. By expanding the cultivation and utilization of under-explored Rubus species, we can unlock their full potential and support sustainable nutritional and economic benefits.

Review of technology and materials for the development of cultured meat

Cultured meat production technology suggested that can solve the problems of traditional meat production such as inadequate breeding environment, wastewater, methane gas generation, and animal ethics issues. Complementing cultured meat production methods, sales and safety concerns will make the use of cultured meat technology easier. This review contextualizes the commercialization status of cultured meat and the latest technologies and challenges associated with its production. Investigation was conducted on materials and basic cell culture technique for cultured meat culture is presented. The development of optimal cultured meat technology through these studies will be an innovative leap in food technology. The process of obtaining cells from animal muscle, culturing cells, and growing cells into meat are the basic processes of cultured meat production. The substances needed to production of cultured meat were antibiotics, digestive enzymes, basal media, serum or growth factors. Although muscle cells have been produced closer to meat due to the application of scaffolds materials and 3 D printing technology, still a limit to reducing production costs enough to be used as foods. In addition, developing edible materials is also a challenge because the materials used to produce cultured meat are still not suitable for food sources.

Modulating effects of capsaicin on glucose homeostasis and the underlying mechanism

Abnormal glucose homeostasis is linked to a variety of metabolic syndromes, such as insulin resistance, obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis is important for the body to keep normal biological functions. As the major bioactive ingredient in chili peppers responsible for the pungent flavor, capsaicin has been reported to effectively improve glucose homeostasis with low cytotoxicity. In this review, the modulating effects of capsaicin on glucose homeostasis in cell models, animal models and human trials are summarized through both TRPV1 dependent and TRPV1 independent pathways. The relevant molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory effects are also evaluated. Understanding the effects and mechanisms of capsaicin on glucose metabolism could provide theoretical evidence for its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Myrianthus libericus: Possible mechanisms of hypoglycaemic action and in silico prediction of pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile of its bioactive metabolite, friedelan-3-one

The hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects of the 70% ethanol stem bark extract of Myrianthus libericus (MLB), used traditionally in the management of diabetes in Ghana, was evaluated in this study using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats. In vitro hypoglycaemic activities of the extract and one of its principal compounds, friedelan-3-one were then investigated using α-amylase inhibitory and glucose uptake assay in C2C12 myotubes. In silico analysis of the pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties of the compound was also performed. MLB significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the elevated blood glucose levels and corrected considerably (p < 0.01) the altered serum lipid profiles of the diabetic rats which was comparable to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). Together with friedelan-3-one, the extract markedly inhibited the activity of α-amylase and promoted glucose uptake in C2C12 cells. Whereas MLB significantly (p < 0.001) up-regulated PI3K and PPARγ transcripts with a corresponding increase in GLUT-4 transcripts within the muscle cells, friedelan-3-one only up-regulated PI3K and GLUT-4 transcripts to promote glucose transport. Friedelan-3-one was shown to be non-carcinogenic, non-hepatotoxic, has decent oral bioavailability and a good compound for optimisation into a drug candidate. The study has demonstrated that MLB possess hypoglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities and could be used as a therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes mellitus.