Biochemical evaluation of the protective effect of Aegle marmelos (L.), Corr. leaf extract on tissue antioxidant defense system and histological changes of pancreatic beta-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Can Polyherbal Medicine be used for the Treatment of Diabetes? - A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic medical condition, has attained a global pandemic status over the last few decades affecting millions of people. Despite a variety of synthetic drugs available in the market, the use of herbal medicines for managing diabetes is gaining importance because of being comparatively safer. This article reviews the result of a substantial literature search on polyherbal formulations (PHFs) developed and evaluated with potential for DM. The accumulated data in the literature allowed us to enlist 76PHFs consisting of different parts of 147 plant species belonging to 58 botanical families. The documented plant species are laden with bioactive components with anti-diabetic properties and thus draw attention. The most favoured ingredient for PHFs was leaves of Gymnema sylvestre and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum used in 27 and 22 formulations, respectively. Apart from herbs, shilajit (exudates from high mountain rocks) formed an important component of 9 PHFs, whereas calcined Mytilus margaritiferus and goat pancreas were used in Dolabi, the most commonly used tablet form of PHF in Indian markets. The healing properties of PHFs against diabetes have been examined in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. However, the mechanism(s) of action of PHFs are still unclear and considered the pitfalls inherent in understanding the benefits of PHFs. From the information available based on experimental systems, it could be concluded that plant-derived medicines will have a considerable role to play in the control of diabetes provided the challenges related to their bioavailability, bioefficacy, optimal dose, lack of characterization, ambiguous mechanism of action, and clinical efficiency are addressed.

Herbal Medicines Targeting the Improved β-Cell Functions and β-Cell Regeneration for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

There is an increasing trend of investigating natural bioactive compounds targeting pancreatic β-cells for the prevention/treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). With the exploration of multiple mechanisms by which β-cells involve in the pathogenesis of DM, herbal medicines are gaining attention due to their multitasking ability as evidenced by traditional medicine practices. This review attempts to summarize herbal medicines with the potential for improvement of β-cell functions and regeneration as scientifically proven by in vivo/in vitro investigations. Furthermore, attempts have been made to identify the mechanisms of improving the function and regeneration of β-cells by herbal medicines. Relevant data published from January 2009 to March 2020 were collected by searching electronic databases "PubMed," "ScienceDirect," and "Google Scholar" and studied for this review. Single herbal extracts, polyherbal mixtures, and isolated compounds derived from approximately 110 medicinal plants belonging to 51 different plant families had been investigated in recent years and found to be targeting β-cells. Many herbal medicines showed improvement of β-cell function as observed through homeostatic model assessment-β-cell function (HOMA-β). Pancreatic β-cell regeneration as observed in histopathological and immunohistochemical studies in terms of increase of size and number of functional β-cells was also prominent. Increasing β-cell mass via expression of genes/proteins related to antiapoptotic actions and β-cell neogenesis/proliferation, increasing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion via activating glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) receptors, and/or increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels were observed upon treatment of some herbal medicines. Some herbal medicines acted on various insulin signaling pathways. Furthermore, many herbal medicines showed protective effects on β-cells via reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, there are many unexplored avenues. Thus, further investigations are warranted in elucidating mechanisms of improving β-cell function and mass by herbal medicines, their structure-activity relationship (SAR), and toxicities of these herbal medicines.

Regulatory Action of all trans Retinoic Acid on Metastasis Induced lung Cell Metabolic Changes during Implantation of B16F10 Cancer Cells in C57BL6 Mice

The changes that occur during metastasis lodging is under intense research now to develop preventive new drugs to fight against the deadly metastasis. The molecular drug, all trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) has regulatory effects on signal mediated metabolism. In this study, we have analyzed the metastasis facilitating metabolic changes in mice lung when a highly metastatic melanoma cell line (B16F10) having potency to lodge in lung was implanted via tail vein injection into C57BL/6 mice (1×106 cells/ml in PBS). One group of implanted mice were treated with 0.60 mg of ATRA per Kg body weight daily for 21 days. The alteration of protein, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, Catalase, GPX, GSH) levels and the lipid profile with cholesterol level were evaluated in the lung tissues. The ATRA treatment caused 62.16% inhibition on metastatic nodule formation. Compared to normal mice, the cancer control mice showed an increased (p≤ 0.01**) total protein, LPO and NO and a decreased antioxidant. In ATRA treated group, all these levels were reverted to near normal levels with a high significance (p≤ 0.01**) difference from untreated cancer mice. The lipid profile and cholesterol level also were altered in cancer and were normalized in ATRA treated group with high significance (p≤ 0.01**). All these results implies that the metabolic changes induced in the lung tissue during metastatic lodging of melanoma cells were prevented and regularized by the ATRA treatment in vivo which give a scope of anti-metastatic therapy using ATRA.

Medicinal plants utilized in Thai Traditional Medicine for diabetes treatment: Ethnobotanical surveys, scientific evidence and phytochemicals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus remains the most lethal metabolic disease of contemporaneous times and despite the therapeutic arsenal currently available, research on new antidiabetic agents remains a priority. In recent years, the revitalization of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) became a clear priority for the Thai government, and many efforts have been undertaken to accelerate research on herbal medicines and their use in medical services in various hospitals. Additionally, and particularly in rural areas, treatment of diabetes and associated symptomatology frequently relies on herbal preparations recommended by practitioners of TTM. In the current work, medicinal plants used in Thailand for treating diabetes, as well as their hypoglycaemic pharmacological evidences and potential therapeutic use for diabetes-related complications were reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological information on the plant materials used in TTM for diabetes treatment was collected through literature search in a range of scientific databases using the search terms: diabetes, folk medicine, Thailand medicinal plants, traditional medicine. Information regarding scientific evidence on the antidiabetic effects of surveyed species was obtained considering not only the most common taxonomic designation, but also taxonomic synonyms, and including the keywords 'diabetes' and 'hypoglycaemic effect'.

RESULTS

A total of 183 species known to be used for diabetes management in TTM were reviewed, with 30% of them still lacking experimental evidences to support claims regarding the mechanisms and phytochemicals underlying their antidiabetic properties. Moreover, a total of 46 bioactives displaying effective antidiabetic effects have been isolated from 24 species, their underlying mechanism(s) of action being fully or partially disclosed.

CONCLUSIONS

We deliver the most extensive survey dealing with the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Thai medicinal plants utilized on diabetes management. We are certain that the current review will spark further research on Thai plants for the development of new standardized phytomedicines through drug discovery programmes.

Atriplex halimus aqueous extract abrogates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating biochemical and histological changes in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Atriplex halimus aqueous leaves extract (AHAE) against acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group (C) served as a control treated with 1 ml/(kg bw) of olive oil, and group (CCl₄) was treated with 1 ml CCl₄/(kg bw) dissolved in olive oil administered by intraperitoneal way. Rats of group (CCl₄+AHAE) have received CCl₄ and treated with 200 mg AHAE/(kg bw). Animals of group (AHAE) were treated with 200 mg/(kg bw) of AHAE. A significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in liver associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione content was observed in CCl₄ group compared to controls. The administration of AHAE to CCl₄+AHAE group improved all parameters studied. We conclude that CCl₄ induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver. Administration of AHAE alleviates the toxicity induced by this organic compound.

Role of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes mellitus: a review

Medicinal plants have a vast potential in the treatment of various ailments due to the presence of therapeutically important phytochemicals. Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and several marketed medications are available to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes. However, these over the counter drugs are expensive and associated with several complications. Herbal medicines are gaining importance as they are cost-effective and also display improved therapeutic effects with lesser side effects. The present review includes the reports available on medicinal plants used for treating diabetes complications. The aim of the review is to categorize and summarize the available information on medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties and suggesting outlooks for future research. A systematic search was performed on medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties using several search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and other online journals and books. All the plants listed in this review are native to Asian countries and are routinely used by the traditional practitioners for the treatment of various ailments. Based on the literature data available, a total of 81 medicinal plants with anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, hypoglycemic, anti-lipidemic and insulin mimetic properties have been compiled in this review. This review provides useful information about the different medicinal plants for treating diabetes-associated complications. Further research can be carried out to study the active constituents and mechanism of these plants.

Effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos fruit and leaf on glycemic, insulinemic and lipidemic status of type 2 diabetic model rats

BackgroundAegle marmelos is a popular fruit plant in the Indian subcontinent, various parts of which are traditionally used against various illnesses including diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the underlying mechanisms of the antidiabetic effects of the plant are not clear, especially in type 2 DM. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of A. marmelos fruits (AMFE) and leaves (AMLE) on glycemic, lipidemic, insulinemic, insulin resistance and β-cell functional status of type 2 diabetic model rats. Methods An interventional study was designed using 20 type 2 diabetic rats. Type 2 DM was induced in Long Evans rats by a single intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (90 mg/kg body weight) to 48 h old pups. Three months after induction of diabetes, the rats were divided into three independent groups: water-treated control group (n=6), AMLE-treated group (n=7) and AMFE-treated group (n=7). The rats were fed with extracts or water for 21 consecutive days and blood samples were collected at days 0 and 21 after an overnight fast. Data were expressed as mean±SD and analyzed by paired t-test or ANOVA as appropriate. Results There were significantly lower blood glucose values in AMLE and AMFE groups at Endpoint compared to Baseline (mmol/l, mean±SD, Baseline vs. Endpoint, 7.04±1.0 vs. 6.06±0.92; p=0.032 and 7.04±0.97 vs. 5.87±0.93; p=0.047). There were also significantly lower serum insulin levels in AMLE and AMFE groups at Endpoint compared to Baseline (µIU/mL, mean±SD, Baseline vs. Endpoint, 14.02±5.48 vs. 7.57±2.90; p=0.026 and 11.54±4.83 vs. 6.58±4.36; p=0.008). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly improved both in AMLE and AMFE groups at Endpoint compared to Baseline (mean±SD, Baseline vs. Endpoint, 4.22±1.68 vs. 2.05±0.90; p=0.021 and 3.69±1.79 vs. 1.69±1.61; p=0.013). However, β-cell function or lipid profile did not show any significant alteration at Endpoint compared to Baseline in AMLE and AMFE groups. Conclusions Aqueous extracts of A. marmelos leaf and fruit have hypoglycemic property which seem to be mediated by lowering of insulin resistance. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the extracts of A. marmelos in human type 2 DM and provides strong impetus for further studies.

Inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes activities by Zygophyllum album extracts: effect on blood and pancreas inflammatory biomarkers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Zygophyllum album has been used as herbal medicine in Southern Tunisia to treat several diseases such as diabetes mellitus. This study is aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the antihyperglycemic potential, the anti-inflammatory and the protective hematological proprieties of this plant in diabetic rats. The inhibition of the α-amylase activity by different solvent-extract fractions of Z. album was tested in vitro. The fraction endowed with the powerful inhibitory activity against α-amylase was administered to surviving diabetic rats for 30 days. Data from in vitro indicated that each extract from the medicinal plant showed moderate inhibition of α-amylase enzyme except the ethyl acetate extract which was ineffective. The powerful inhibition was achieved by ethanol extract of Z. album (EZA) with an IC50 of 43.48 μg/ml as compared to acarbose (Acar) with an IC50 of 14.88 μg/ml. In vivo, the results showed that EZA decreased the α-amylase levels in serum, pancreas and intestine of diabetic rats by 40 %, 45 % and 46 %, respectively, associated with considerably reduction in blood glucose rate by 61 %. Moreover, the EZA helped to protect the structure and function of the β-cells. Interestingly, EZA had a potent anti-inflammatory effect which is manifested by decreases in CRP and TNF-α levels. Overall, a notable reduction in lipase activity both in serum and small intestine of treated diabetic rats resulted in the improvement of serum and liver lipids profile. Z. album showed a prominent antidiabetic effect via inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes and ameliorated the inflammation and the disturbance of hematological biomarkers in diabetes.

The electrophoretical determination of serum protein fractions in lycopene treated experimental diabetic rats

This study was planned to determine the effects of lycopene treatment on serum protein fractions in experimental diabetic rats. In order to induce diabetes in rats in the diabetes (D) and diabetes + lycopene (DL) groups, rats were given 45 mg/kg single-dose streptozotocin intraperitoneally. Lycopene (10 mg/kg/day dissolved in sunflower oil) was administered to the rats in the lycopene-only (L) and DL groups. Blood glucose levels and HbA1c% in DL group and diabetes group increased (p < 0.05) compared to control and L group. Total protein, albumin, α1, α2, and β globulin fractions of diabetic and DL groups were lower than control and L groups (p < 0.05). D group had lowest gamma (γ) globulin levels among other groups (p < 0.05). The γ globulin levels was slightly increased than diabetic groups (D and DL), but it was still lower than control and L groups (p < 0.05). The highest value of A/G ratio was observed in diabetic group. Similarly, the % level of A/G ratio of D group was higher than other groups. It was noted that the A/G ratio decreased and reached to control group levels after lycopene treatment.

Oxidative stress and skin cancer: an overview

Skin is the largest body organ that serves as an important environmental interface providing a protective envelope that is crucial for homeostasis. On the other hand, it is a major target for toxic insult by a broad spectrum of physical and chemical agents that are capable of altering its structure and function. There are a large number of dietary contaminants and drugs can manifest their toxicity in skin. These environmental toxicants or their metabolites are inherent oxidants and/or directly or indirectly drive the production of a variety of reactive oxidants also known as reactive oxygen species. These are short-lived entities that are continuously generated at low levels during the course of normal aerobic metabolism. These are believed to activate proliferative and cell survival signaling that can alter apoptotic pathways that may be involved in the pathogenesis of a number of skin disorders. The skin possesses an array of antioxidant defense mechanisms that interact with toxicants to obviate their deleterious effect. The "antioxidant power" of a food is an expression of its capability both to defend the human organism from the action of the free radicals and to prevent degenerative disorders. Plants like olive trees have their own built-in protection against the oxidative damage of the sun, and these built-in protectors function as cell protectors in our own body. Although many antioxidants have shown substantive efficacy in cell culture systems and in animal models of oxidant injury, unequivocal confirmation of their beneficial effects in human populations has proven elusive.