Antihyperglycemic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Foeniculum vulgare in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Exploring Folklore Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Components Focusing on Antidiabetic Potential: An Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern characterized by a deficiency in insulin production. Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with current antidiabetic medications, there is the utmost need for natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal medicines have experienced exponential growth in popularity globally in recent years for their natural origins and minimal side effects. Ecuador has a rich cultural history in ethnobotany that plays a crucial role in its people's lives. This study identifies 27 Ecuadorian medicinal plants that are traditionally used for diabetes treatment and are prepared through infusion, decoction, or juice, or are ingested in their raw forms. Among them, 22 plants have demonstrated hypoglycemic or anti-hyperglycemic properties that are rich with bioactive phytochemicals, which was confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo studies. However, Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Costus villosissimus, Juglans neotropica, Pithecellobium excelsum, and Myroxylon peruiferum, which were extensively used in traditional medicine preparation in Ecuador for many decades to treat diabetes, are lacking in pharmacological elucidation. The Ecuadorian medicinal plants used to treat diabetes have been found to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids that are mainly responsible for reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, regulating intestinal function, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, lowering gluconeogenic enzymes, stimulating glucose uptake mechanisms, and playing an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, there is a substantial lack of integrated approaches between the existing ethnomedicinal practices and pharmacological research. Therefore, this review aims to discuss and explore the traditional medicinal plants used in Ecuador for treating DM and their bioactive phytochemicals, which are mainly responsible for their antidiabetic properties. We believe that the use of Ecuadorian herbal medicine in a scientifically sound way can substantially benefit the local economy and industries seeking natural products.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) encapsulating Foeniculum vulgare (FV) seed extract (SE) were prepared for the controlled delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents. The prepared CSNPs encapsulating FVSE as sustain-releasing nanoconjugate (CSNPs-FVSE) was used as a potent source of functional metabolites including kaempferol and quercetin for accelerated reclamation of sensory and motor functions following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The nanoconjugate exhibited in vitro a biphasic diffusion-controlled sustained release of quercetin and kaempferol ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects. The CSNPs-FVSE was administered through gavaging to albino mice daily at a dose rate of 25 mg/kg body weight from the day of induced PNI till the end of the experiment. The conjugate-treatment induced a significant acceleration in the regain of motor functioning, evaluated from the sciatic function index (SFI) and muscle grip strength studies. Further, the hotplate test confirmed a significantly faster recuperation of sensory functions in conjugate-treated group compared to control. An array of underlying biochemical pathways regulates the regeneration under well-optimized glucose and oxidant levels. Therefore, oxidant status (TOS), blood glycemic level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in the conjugate-treated group and compared with the controls. The treated subjects exhibited controlled oxidative stress and regulated blood sugars compared to the non-treated control. Thus, the nanoconjugate enriched with polyphenolics significantly accelerated the regeneration and recovery of functions after nerve lesions. The biocompatible nanocarriers encapsulating the nontoxic natural bioactive constitutents have great medicinal and economic value.

Fennel Essential Oil as a Complementary Therapy in the Management of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious pathology that affects a significant number of people worldwide. Its progression is rapid and leads to serious complications if glycemic control is missing. The micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes produce disabilities over time that affect the daily lives of patients. The major challenge of diabetes therapy is to reach a stable glycemic state and to delay the onset of specific complications. Aromatherapy is considered an alternative or complementary therapy, but in recent years, there has been a tendency to overuse essential oils. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects produced by the topical and oral administration of fennel essential oil to diabetic rats. Eighteen compounds in fennel essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds were trans-anethole (64.6%) and fenchone (24.5%). The in vivo study revealed that after a four-week treatment with fennel essential oil, the rats' glycemic levels were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there were no differences between the two routes of administration. In addition, an ex vivo study underlined the potential effect of this essential oil in the prevention of cataract formation.

Anti-obesity effects of olivetol in adult zebrafish model induced by short-term high-fat diet

Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.

Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Ephedra foeminea Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Ephedra foeminea is known in Jordan as Alanda and traditionally. It is used to treat respiratory symptoms such as asthma and skin rashes as an infusion in boiling water. The purpose of this study was to determine the antidiabetic property of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The aqueous extract of Ephedra foeminea plant was used to determine the potential of its efficacy in the treatment of diabetes, and this extract was tested on diabetic rats as a model. The chemical composition of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using two classical assays (ABTS and DPPH). Results: The most abundant compounds in the Ephedra foeminea extract were limonene (6.3%), kaempferol (6.2%), stearic acid (5.9%), β-sitosterol (5.5%), thiamine (4.1%), riboflavin (3.1%), naringenin (2.8%), kaempferol-3-rhamnoside (2.3%), quercetin (2.2%), and ferulic acid (2.0%). The antioxidant activity of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was remarkable, as evidenced by radical scavenging capacities of 12.28 mg Trolox/g in ABTS and 72.8 mg GAE/g in DPPH. In comparison to control, induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract showed significant improvement in blood glucose levels, lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions. Interleukin 1 and glutathione peroxidase levels in the spleen, pancreas, kidney, and liver of induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract were significantly lower than in untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract appears to protect diabetic rats against oxidative stress and improve blood parameters. In addition, it has antioxidant properties that might be very beneficial medicinally.

Effect of Pelargonium graveolens on Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

AIMS

The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of Pelargonium graveolens.

BACKGROUND

Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant frequently used in traditional medicine in Morocco and Algeria as remedy against a multitude of illnesses. Interestingly, it is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia for managing diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was carried out in order to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of P. graveolens in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats, as well as to evaluate the acute toxicity of the leaves aqueous extract of Pelargonium graveolens (PGLAE).

METHODS

The therapeutic effect of PGLAE at a dose of 40 mg/kg on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats after a single oral (6h) and a repeated (15 days) oral administration. The acute toxicity of the PGLAE was examined in accordance the OECD test guideline. Post-treatment, body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed for 14 days. Further assays such as the oral glucose tolerance test, histopathological examination and antioxidant activity was also performed according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Findings exhibited that both single and repeated oral doses of PGLAE (40 mg/kg) produced significant reduction of blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. All treated animals survived and no apparent adverse effects were observed during the duration of the acute toxicity study. Importantly, oral LD50 of PGLAE was greater than 2000 mg/kg BW. Furthermore, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after PGLAE treatment. Moreover, PGLAE was able to improve histopathological structure of liver and possesses a potential antioxidant effect in vitro.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study reports the antidiabetic effect of PGLAE in rats supporting then its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Antihyperglycemic and Antidyslipidemic Activities of the Aqueous Salvia hispanica Extract in Diabetic Rat

AIMS

The study targeted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of Salvia hispanica.

BACKGROUND

Salvia hispanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant with many beneficial properties on human health.

OBJECTIVE

This objective of the study was to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Salvia hispanica (S. hispanica) seeds and its capacity to improve lipid profile in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The seed aqueous extract of S. hispanica (SHSAE) at a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered orally in normal and diabetic rats. The effect of oral SHSAE treatment on blood glucose and lipid levels during 15 days was assessed in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. The antioxidant activity of SHSAE was also examined.

RESULTS

The decrease of glycemia in rats following the administration of the plant extract suggested that the studied extract possesses antidiabetic effect. The extract of S. hispanica produced hypolipidemic effect with a significant lowering effect on plasma total cholesterol levels and increase on HDL-cholesterol levels. SHSAE was also able to enhance glucose tolerance using OGTT. Moreover, SHSAE possess a potential antioxidant effect in vitro.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic effects of SHSAE in rats.

Comparative Study of Leaf and Rootstock Aqueous Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare on Chemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Activities

Foeniculum vulgare is a medicinal plant used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat several diseases such as diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic bioactive compounds and to evaluate the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities of Foeniculum vulgare leaf and rootstock extracts. Phenolic compounds of F. vulgare rootstock and leaf extracts were determined using HPLC-DAD-QTOFMS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radicals. Moreover, the in vitro antihyperglycemic effects were tested by measuring the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. HPLC-DAD-QTOFMS analysis identified thirty-two phenolic components in both leaf and rootstock extracts. Caffeic acid, quinic acid, and chlorogenic acid were the major compounds of F. vulgare leaf extract (FVLE), while the main compound of F. vulgare rootstock extracts (FVRE) was quinic acid. In the DPPH assay, F. vulgare leaf extract showed important antioxidant activity (IC50 = 12.16 ± 0.02 μg/mL) than F. vulgare rootstock extract (IC50 = 34.36 ± 0.09 μg/mL). Moreover, fennel leaf extracts revealed also the most powerful antioxidant activity (IC50 = 22.95 ± 0.4 μg/mL) in the ABTS assay. The in vitro antihyperglycemic activity showed that F. vulgare rootstock extract exhibited a remarkable inhibitory capacity (IC50 = 194.30 ± 4.8 μg/mL) of α-amylase compared with F. vulgare leaf extract (IC50 = 1026.50 ± 6.5 μg/mL). Furthermore, the inhibition of α-glucosidase was more importantly with F. vulgare rootstock (IC50 of 165.90 ± 1.2 μg/mL) than F. vulgare leaf extracts (203.80 ± 1.3 μg/mL). The funding of this study showed that F. vulgare rootstock and leaf extracts presented several phenolic compounds and showed important antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. We suggest that the identified molecules are responsible for the obtained activities. However, further studies focusing on the isolation and the determination of antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of F. vulgare rootstock and leaf main compounds are required.

Flavonoids Extracted from Asteriscus graveolens Improve Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profile in Diabetic Rats

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Asteriscus graveolens.

BACKGROUND

Asteriscus graveolens (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used by the Moroccan population to treat various diseases, including diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to assess the capacity of flavonoids extracted from Asteriscus graveolens (FEE) to improve diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Flavonoids were extracted from A. graveolens using the Soxhlet apparatus and using different organic solvents. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated orally by the extract of A. graveolens at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The oral treatment during 15 days was used to evaluate the effect of the flavonoids extracted from A. graveolens on blood glucose level and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats. The oral glucose tolerance test, as well as the analysis of the histopathological examination of the liver, was performed. The antioxidant activity of FEE was also assessed by the method of trapping of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), in order to estimate the mechanisms of action involved by FEE to improve hyperglycemia and lipid profile in normal and diabetic rats.

RESULTS

FEE reduced serum glucose concentrations in both normal and diabetic rats and exhibited lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides effects as well as improvement of the HDL-cholesterol serum level in the last group. In addition, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after FEE treatment. Moreover, FEE was able to improve the histopathological status of the liver and was found to possess a potent antioxidant effect in vitro.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of FEE in rats and supports its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Lippia citriodora in Rats

AIM

The study was conducted to assess the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Lippia citriodora.

BACKGROUND

Lippia citriodora Kunth (Verbenaceae) is a medicinal plant with many traditional uses.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Lippia citriodora and its capacity to improve the lipid profile in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Normal and diabetic rats were treated orally for 15 days by the leaves aqueous extract of Lippia citriodora (LCLAE) (100 mg/kg). The whole glucose utilization and liver architecture were also evaluated. The in vitro antioxidant activity of LCLAE was also assessed.

RESULTS

LCLAE lowered blood glucose and lipid levels in all groups. Moreover, LCLAE ameliorated the liver structure and exhibited antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of LCLAE in rats.