Compositional profiling and bioefficacy studies of pulses-supplemented isocaloric designer biscuits for recently diagnosed diabetic individuals

This study addresses global concerns about diabetes mellitus by exploring a novel approach to manage hyperglycemia through pulses-supplemented designer biscuits. Control and designer biscuits were prepared with varying proportions of wheat flour and pulses (chickpea, mungbean). The pulses-supplemented biscuits exhibited increased protein content and reduced readily available carbohydrates. Selected designer biscuits, with 12.5 % incorporation of chickpea and mungbean pulse flour, demonstrated significantly lower glycemic index (69.17 ± 5.01) and higher satiety index (122.19 ± 8.85) compared to control biscuits. These showed 13 % less glycemic index and 9 % higher satiety index as compared to control biscuits. A four-week bio-efficacy trial involving diabetic subjects consuming these biscuits as a routine snack resulted in an 11.45 % decrease in fasting blood glucose and a 19.15 % reduction in random blood glucose levels. Insulin and HDL levels also significantly improved. The study concludes that these designer biscuits possess a hypoglycemic effect, offering a potential dietary intervention for managing diabetes.

Correlation of Blood Urea and Creatinine Levels With Thiamin Levels in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Introduction Serum urea and creatinine levels are the most commonly recognized parameters for evaluating renal impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, this study evaluated the correlation between urea and creatinine levels and thiamin levels in patients with type 1 DM (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM). Methods This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at diabetic outpatient clinics in Karachi. The duration of the study was six months, from 1st January 2023 to 30th June 2023. A total of 60 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, i.e., T1DM and T2DM, each containing 30 patients of both genders between the ages of 24 and 42 years. Demographic data and biochemical variables, such as urea, creatinine, random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and serum thiamin levels, were assessed. The Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test were used to associate the means between the two study groups. The chi-square test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to determine the associations between the variables and T1DM and T2DM. Results The study results revealed that patients with T2DM had a significantly higher frequency of hypertension (p = 0.039), neuropathy (p = 0.038), and coronary artery disease (p = 0.010) than those with T1DM, in both genders. The level of serum thiamin was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in T2DM (14.8 ± 4.82) than in T1DM patients (7.34 ± 1.90). Similarly, serum creatinine was higher in T2DM than in T1DM patients (0.83 ± 0.12 vs. 0.76 ± 0.17, p = 0.025). Moreover, the correlation of urea and creatinine with thiamin levels in T1DM and T2DM patients revealed that in T1DM and T2DM patients, urea and creatinine showed an insignificant positive correlation with thiamin levels. Conclusion We found a significantly higher level of serum creatinine and thiamin levels in T2DM patients than in T1DM; however, there was no significant correlation between urea and creatinine levels and thiamin status in T1DM and T2DM patients. Therefore, we conclude that although serum urea, creatinine, and serum thiamin are important disease biomarkers in diabetic patients, there is no correlation between them.

The Potential Role of Gossypetin in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Complications: A Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin resistance and dysfunctional beta (β)-cells in the pancreas. Hyperglycaemia is a characteristic of uncontrolled diabetes which eventually leads to fatal organ system damage. In T2DM, free radicals are continuously produced, causing extensive tissue damage and subsequent macro-and microvascular complications. The standard approach to managing T2DM is pharmacological treatment with anti-diabetic medications. However, patients' adherence to treatment is frequently decreased by the side effects and expense of medications, which has a detrimental impact on their health outcomes. Quercetin, a flavonoid, is a one of the most potent anti-oxidants which ameliorates T2DM. Thus, there is an increased demand to investigate quercetin and its derivatives, as it is hypothesised that similar structured compounds may exhibit similar biological activity. Gossypetin is a hexahydroxylated flavonoid found in the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Gossypetin has a similar chemical structure to quercetin with an extra hydroxyl group. Furthermore, previous literature has elucidated that gossypetin exhibits neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, reproprotective and nephroprotective properties. The mechanisms underlying gossypetin's therapeutic potential have been linked to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Hence, this review highlights the potential role of gossypetin in the treatment of diabetes and its associated complications.

Phenolic Profiles, Antihyperglycemic, Anti-Diabetic, and Antioxidant Properties of Egyptian Sonchus oleraceus Leaves Extract: An In Vivo Study

This study aimed to investigate the phenolic and antioxidant properties of Egyptian Sonchus oleraceus leaves extract (SOE) while comparing the antihyperglycemic efficacy of SOE with that of conventional medicines (glibenclamide) in vivo as a substitution for insulin-deficient patients. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in SOE contributed around 127.66 ± 0.56 mg GAE/gm as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 74.80 ± 0.55 mg QE/gm as quercetin equivalent (QE). SOE also showed significant DPPH scavenging activity at 43.46%. The presence of five phenolic and six flavonoid compounds in SOE was discovered by HPLC analysis. For the in vivo assay, 42 rats were distributed into six groups (7 Wister albino rats each). The standard control group was fed a basal diet. While the 35 rats were induced with a single dose of 100 mg kg-1 body weight (b.w.) alloxan, then treated orally with glibenclamide (GLI) at 10 mg kg-1, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg-1 SOE (positive control group) for 56 days of routine gastric oral gavages and compared to the effects of GLI, the treatment of SOE 200 and 300 mg kg-1 in diabetic rats for two months dramatically decreased blood glucose, total lipid, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels and improving liver and kidney functions. The histological assay revealed that the SOE 300 mg kg-1 treatment significantly improved the pancreas tissues, implying the potential application of Egyptian SOE as a diabetes treatment.

A cross-sectional study to correlate antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress and inflammation with prevalence of hypertension

AIMS

Hypertension a multifactorial consequence of environmental factors, life style and genetics is the well-recognized risk factor contributing to coronary heart diseases. The antioxidant imbalance, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress which is pivotal in progression of hypertension. The present study aims to understand the complex interaction between oxidative stress, inflammation and antioxidant system which is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis which further can exaggerate hypertension pathophysiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The metabolic profile of hypertensive and normotensive subjects from Malwa region, Punjab was compared by estimating lipid profile, cardiac, hepatic and renal markers. The oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation), inflammatory markers (Nitric oxide, Myeloperoxidase and advanced oxygen protein products), and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) were analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

It is observed that the metabolic markers are altered in hypertensive subjects which further these subjects showed increased oxidative, inflammatory profile and compromised antioxidant status when compared with normotensive subjects. Co-relation analysis validated the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress in impaired endothelial function and vital organ damage.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

These markers may act as early indicators of hypertension which usually do not show any physical symptoms, thus can be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. The current study suggests that disturbed homeostasis, a consequence of altered interaction between antioxidant system and inflammatory events raises the oxidative stress levels which eventually leads to hypertension and associated complications. These indicators can serve as early indicators of future chronic complications of hypertension.

Caryopteris odorata and its metabolite coumarin attenuate characteristic features of cardiometabolic syndrome in high-refined carbohydrate-high fat-cholesterol-loaded feed-fed diet rats

Caryopteris odorata (D. Don) B.L. Robinson (Verbenaceae family) is an aromaric shrub traditionally used to treat diabetes and related pathologies (diabetic foot ulcer), cancer/tumors, wound healing, and inflammation. It is enriched with flavonoids and phenolics like coumarins, quercetin, gallic acid, coumaric acid, stigmasterol, α-tocopherol, and iridoids. C. odorata has been reported as having α-glucosidase, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Its effectiveness in preventing cardiometabolic syndrome has not yet been assessed. This study aims to investigate the potential efficacy of C. odorata and coumarin for characteristic features of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension by using high-refined carbohydrate-high fat-cholesterol (HRCHFC)-loaded feed-fed rats. Chronic administration of C. odorata and coumarin for 6 weeks revealed a marked attenuation in body and organ weights, with a consistent decline in feed intake compared to HRCHFC diet fed rats. The test materials also caused a significant reduction in the blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean) and heart rate of HRCHFC-diet fed rats. Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests were also observed in test material administered rats compare to only HRCHFC-diet fed rats. C. odorata and coumarin-treated animals produced a marked decline in serum FBG, TC, TG, LFTs, and RFTs, while an increase in serum HDL-C levels was noticed. C. odorata and coumarin also significantly modulated inflammatory biomarkers (TNFα, IL-6), adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin), and HMG-CoA reductase levels, indicating prominent anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-hyperglycemic potential. Administration of C. odorata and coumarin exhibited a marked improvement in oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, and MDA). Histopathological analysis of liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, aorta, and fat tissues showed a revival of normal tissue architecture in C. odorata and coumarin-treated rats compared to only HRCHFC-diet fed rats. These results suggest that C. odorata and coumarin possess beneficial effects against the characteristic features of CMS (obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) in HRCHFC feed-administered rats. These effects were possibly mediated through improved adipokines, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity, the attenuation of HMG-CoA reductase and inflammatory biomarkers, and modulated oxidative stress biomarkers. This study thus demonstrates a rationale for the therapeutic potential of C. odorata and coumarin in CMS.

Multi-level analysis reveals the association between diabetes, body mass index, and HbA1c in an Iraqi population

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) known as a complex metabolic disorder may cause health problems and changes in blood biochemical markers. A growing number of studies have looked into several biomarkers and their connections with T2D risk. However, few have explored the interconnection of these biomarkers, as well as the prospective alterations in the diabetes biomarker correlation network. We conducted a secondary analysis in order to introduce a multi-level approach to establish a relationship between diabetes, pre-diabetes, blood biochemical markers, age, and body mass index (BMI). The dataset was obtained from the Mendeley Data (available at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/wj9rwkp9c2/1 . In this study, three groups were established: non-diabetic (n = 103), pre-diabetic (n = 53), and diabetic (n = 844). According to the Heatmap analysis, non-diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals had the lowest BMI, age, and HbA1c. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were correlated with BMI (r = 0.58 and - 0.27, respectively), age (r = 0.47 and - 0.28, respectively), and HbA1c (r = 0.55 and - 0.21, respectively) using Pearson analysis. Using multivariate analysis, we found that diabetes, BMI, age, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, and HDL were all associated. Network analysis revealed a connection between BMI and diabetes at the highest cut-off point. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis validated the network findings, revealing that BMI (area under the ROC curve, AUC = 0.95), HbA1c (AUC = 0.94), and age (AUC = 0.84) were the best predictors of diabetes. In conclusion, our multi-step study revealed that identifying significant T2D predictors, such as BMI and HbA1c, required a series of mathematical analyses.

Multigrain porridge possesses superior nutritional quality, its consumption alleviates hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress in obese-diabetic wistar rats

There is an increased utilization of wholegrain cereals in food formulations considering their richness in essential nutritional and biological properties. In this study, each component (amaranth, acha and pearl millet) of the multigrain blend was individually pre-fermented. Thereafter, the pre-fermented grain flours were optimized to obtain two unique blends (90:5:5 and 47.98: 26.68:25.34) containing high protein content (~23% and 17%) and low glycemic index (~43). The optimum blends were processed into instant porridges (PR1, PR2) and analyzed for its nutritional composition, blood glucose lowering ability, antioxidant enzyme and tissue/serum biochemical makers modulatory ability in obese-diabetic animals. The porridge showed significant nutritional profile, consumption of formulated multigrain porridge reduced blood glucose level (by 62% and 66%), upregulated the antioxidant defense system to near normal levels likewise, significantly reduced serum biochemical parameters. Thus, suggests that the multigrain blends/porridge is nutrient-dense possessing beneficial effect to maintain antioxidant levels in the diabetic condition with potential to attenuate oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Prolonged feeding with high-fat diet induces hypercholesterolemia in experimental animals. Further interperitoneal injection of streptozotocin induces experimental diabetes with a cascade of oxidative stress related complications in serum and tissue parameters. Porridge is a traditional meal while multigrain porridge is a nutrient dense meal which may exert curative effect. In this work, it was shown that dietary intervention with multigrain porridge product promoted positive weight control, portrayed hepatoprotective effect as shown by the elevated levels of biomarker (ALT, AST, ALP) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx) as well as modulation of serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol). Thus, the multigrain porridge may be a functional food product to combat hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia especially PR1 which appeared to be more efficient than PR2 in modulating oxidative stress, conferring hypoglycemic effect and lowering lipid levels in obese-diabetic rats model studied.

Etlingera elatior Flower Aqueous Extract Protects against Oxidative Stress-Induced Nephropathy in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known systemic disease with increasing global prevalence and multi-organ complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN). The trend of using medicinal plants in the management of DM is increasing exponentially. Etlingera elatior is a medicinal plant that contains chemicals and antioxidants that delay the oxidation process. However, available data focusing on its use on DN are inconsistent and scarce. This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects of E. elatior flower aqueous extract (EEAE) in a type 2 DM rat (T2DR) model. The T2DR model was developed using a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) at 35 mg/kg. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): (1) control (normal rat), (2) T2DR (untreated-type 2 diabetic rat), (3) Met (250 mg/kg metformin-treated T2DR), and (4) EEAE (1000 mg/kg EEAE-treated T2DR). All treatments were administered orally for 6 weeks. EEAE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, and serum blood urea nitrogen. EEAE also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the levels of antioxidant markers—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The inflammatory marker (interleukin (IL)-6) and fibrosis markers (transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)) were significantly decreased in the EEAE-treated group. The T2DR group developed DN, which was characterized by segmental sclerosis of the glomeruli associated with focal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Interestingly, the histology of kidney tissue in the EEAE group was preserved. This effect was similar to that of the control drug metformin. In summary, the antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects might be related to the antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects of the EEAE. The antidiabetic activity could be due to the presence of the active compound cyanidin-3-O-glycosides, which is an anthocyanin antioxidant, that is present in the EEAE. E. elatior has the potential to be developed as a natural source of antioxidants that can be used for the prevention or even the treatment of DM. These findings could lead to future research into the therapeutic use of E. elatior in alleviating the progression of DM and thus preventing nephropathy.

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts Prepared by Different Methods in Type 2 C57BL/J-db/db Mice

This study was conducted to evaluate whether Allium hookeri can control diabetic symptoms. Aqueous extract (AE1: 100 mg/kg BW, AE2: 200 mg/kg BW) and ethanol extract (EE1: 100 mg/kg BW, EE2: 200 mg/kg BW) of A. hookeri were orally administrated to diabetic mice (C57BL/J-db/db) for 8 weeks. The negative (NC) and the positive (PC) control groups were treated with 0.9% saline and metformin (150 mg/kg BW), respectively. Glucose and lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C) as biochemical parameters, toxicological factors such as liver/kidney functional parameters (ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr), and NK cell activity in blood were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histopathological examination were also conducted. Compared with the NC group, AE and EE decreased blood glucose, HbA1c, area under the curve (AUC) during OGTT, and leptin levels while increasing adiponectin levels. Serum lipid profiles and toxicological factors levels were reduced by the A. hookeri extract. Interestingly, HDL-C, glomerular mesangial expansion score in the kidney, and NK cell activity were effectively controlled in EE groups. Based on the results, EE is considered to be more effective in reducing high blood glucose, lipid profile, and related factor levels than AE, and is comparable to metformin in some biomarkers. It can be presumed that EE can more effectively control the major anomalies in the diabetic model than AE, and it may be used to prevent diabetic symptoms without toxicity in the Type 2 diabetic model.

Association of Telomere Length and Serum Vitamin D Levels with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Related Complications: A Possible Future Perspective

Evidence show that shortened telomere length (TL) and low Vitamin D levels can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications. T2DM has been considered as an age-related disease, it may be associated with TL. The study aimed to evaluate the association of TL and Vitamin D levels with complications of T2DM and the impact of Vitamin D on TL in patients with T2DM. This 1-year cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 90 patients. Height, weight, body mass index, waist-hip ratio was calculated. Fasting blood sugars, postprandial blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were analyzed. Absolute TL was obtained from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Vitamin D estimation was done by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Descriptive analysis of the data was done using R i386 3.6.3. The study found a positive correlation between TL and Vitamin D levels (r = 0.64; P < 0.0001). The interaction with high HbA1c levels and lower levels of Vitamin D led to the shortening of TL (P = 0.0001). The median of TL and mean of Vitamin D levels were significantly less in the diabetic group (P < 0.0001). Vitamin D levels positively affected the TL and its levels had an inverse relation with the HbA1c levels. This association had a significant effect on the shortening of TL. Vitamin D also had a significant association with other diabetic complications that instigated the shortening of TL. Therefore, assessing the role of Vitamin D levels on the shortening of TL can prove to be crucial biomarkers in managing optimal glycemic levels in T2DM patients.

Fermented pork fat (Sa-um) and lifestyle risk factors as potential indicators for type 2 diabetes among the Mizo population, Northeast India

Over the last few decades, Mizoram has shown an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, no in-depth scientific records are available to understand the occurrence of the disease. In this study, 500 patients and 500 healthy controls were recruited to understand the possible influence of their dietary and lifestyle habits in relation with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A multivariate analysis using Cox regression was carried out to find the influence of dietary and lifestyle factors, and an unpaired t test was performed to find the difference in the levels of biochemical tests. Out of 500 diabetic patients, 261 (52.3%) were males and 239 (47.7%) were females, and among the control group, 238 (47.7%) were males and 262 (52.3%) were females. Fermented pork fat, Sa-um (odds ratio (OR) 18.98), was observed to be a potential risk factor along with tuibur (OR 0.1243) for both males and females. Creatinine level was found to be differentially regulated between the male and female diabetic patients. This is the first report of fermented pork fat and tobacco (in a water form) to be the risk factors for diabetes. The unique traditional foods like Sa-um and local lifestyle habits like tuibur of the Mizo population may trigger the risk for the prevalence of the disease, and this may serve as a model to study other populations with similar traditional practices.

Saliva diagnostic utility in patients with type 2 diabetes: Future standard method

Background

The purpose of the present study was to assess saliva reliability in diagnosis and monitoring type 2 diabetes instead of blood.

Methods

Blood and unstimulated whole saliva were collected from 300 type 2 diabetic subjects and 300 healthy controls in fasting. Then, the salivary flow rate was calculated. All parameters including glucose, urea, amylase, total protein, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulin A (IgA), potassium, calcium and chloride were assessed in the supernatant, using an autoanalyzer. Oral exam was conducted by a single examiner on full mouth excluding third molars. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS 20.0 version.

Results

Saliva screening showed that glucose, urea, amylase, total protein, potassium, calcium and chloride were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Whereas, the IgA level and salivary flow rate were significantly reduced in patients (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in albumin and CRP levels (p > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between salivary and plasma glucose levels (r = 0.887, and r = 0.900, p < 0.001), as well as, salivary and blood urea (r = 0.586, and r = 0.688, p < 0.001) in patients and controls, respectively.

Conclusions

From this study, saliva could be suggested as a useful diagnostic tool for type 2 diabetes.

Serum vitamin D status in type 2 diabetic patients from Gaza Strip

OBJECTIVE

To assess serum vitamin D status and its relations to other biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic patients from Gaza Strip.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control study included 58 type 2 diabetic patients as well as 58 non-diabetic controls. Patients and controls were matched for age and gender. Data were obtained from questionnaire interview, and biochemical analysis of blood samples.

RESULTS

Serum vitamin D was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic controls (25.9 ± 11.0 versus 34.6 ± 13.8 ng/dl, % difference = 28.8%, P < 0.001). The number of patients having vitamin D deficient, insufficient and sufficient were 6 (10.4%), 35 (60.3%) and 17 (29.3%) compared to controls of 3 (5.2%), 16 (27.6%) and 39 (67.2%), respectively (χ² = 14.672, P < 0.001). Serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglycerides were significantly higher in patients than in controls whereas serum insulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and calcium were significantly lower in patients. Serum vitamin D showed significant negative correlations with HbA1c (r = - 0.186, P = 0.046), ALT (r = - 192, P = 0.040) and AST (r = - 0.188, P = 0.044) whereas significant positive correlations were found with HDL-C (r = 0.188, P = 0.044) and calcium (r = 0.239, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

The significant negative and positive correlations of vitamin D with HbA1c and calcium, respectively suggests that vitamin D supplementation would be of potential therapeutic value in clinical settings for controlling of type 2 diabetes and more importantly its complications. However, a well-designed clinical trials are needed to define the contribution of vitamin D status and therapy in the global diabetes problem.

Phenolic profiles, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract

This work is aimed to evaluate phenolics composition, and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydro-methanol pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract (MPE). In addition, the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effect of MPE in Wister albino rats was compared with standard drugs (glibenclamide and atorvastatin). Total phenolic content and total flavonoid contents in MPE (mg g^-1 ) accounted for 188.9 as GAE and 13.95 as QE, respectively. Phenolic and flavonoids compounds in MPE analyzed by HPLC and revealed the presence of 23 phenolic compounds and 20 flavonoid compounds. For in vivo experiment, 56 rats were distributed into 8 groups. Group 1 was the normal control, while group 2 contained rats orally administrated with 200 mg kg^-1 MPE daily. Group 3 contained diabetic rats (induced with a single dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. alloxan). Group 4 contained diabetic rats administered daily with 200 mg/kg MPE. Group 5 contained diabetic rats administered orally with a glibenclamide (standard drug for diabetic) at 10 mg/kg daily. Group 6 fed with high fat diet (HFD). Group 7 contained HFD-rats administered orally with 200 mg/kg MPE daily. Group 8 contained HFD-rats administered orally with atorvastatin (used to lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and fats and to raise HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood) at 10 mg/kg daily. The study lasted for 56 days. Administration with MPE 200 mg/kg to both diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats significantly decreased blood glucose, HbA_1c , total lipid, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as improved liver and kidney functions, compared with glibenclamide and atorvastatin effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pomegranate peel, constituted about 50% of fruit fresh weight, is rich in bioactive compounds with potent health-promoting activities. The results of the current study stated that MPE is rich in phenolics and flavonoids with powerful antioxidant potential. In addition, MPE showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities due to the strong antiradical action via its antioxidant compounds. MPE enhanced liver and kidney functions when compared to standard drugs in diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats. MPC could be used as a natural material to develop diabetic and hyperlipidemic drugs.

"Diabetes and Metabolism Disorders Medicinal Plants: A Glance at the Past and a Look to the Future 2018": Antihyperglycemic Activity of Hamelia patens Jacq. Extracts

Diabetes is one the world's most widespread diseases, affecting over 327 million people and causing about 300,000 deaths annually. Despite great advances in prevention and therapy, existing treatments for this disorder have serious side effects. Plants used in traditional medicine represent a valuable source in the search for new medicinal compounds. Hamelia patens Jacq. has been used for treating diabetes and, so far, no reports have been made on the in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of this plant. The present study on H. patens aimed to test the antihyperglycemic effect of repeated administrations of the crude and fractional methanolic extracts (CME and FME, respectively) on rats with hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin. After 10 administrations (20 days), each extract had lowered blood glucose to a normal level. The extracts produced effects similar to metformin. Of the five compounds identified by chromatographic analysis of the extracts, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid demonstrated antihyperglycemic effect. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evidenced by their IC50 values (51.7 and 50.7 μg/mL, respectively). The LD50≥2000 mg/Kg suggests low toxicity for both CME and FME. Thus, considering that the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of metformin and extracts from H. patens were comparable, the latter may be efficacious for treating diabetes.