Polyopes lancifolia Extract, a Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitor, Alleviates Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Mice

This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Polyopes lancifolia extract (PLE) on α-glucosidase activity, α-amylase activitiy, and postprandial hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The results of this study revealed a marked inhibitory effect of PLE on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. The IC₅₀s of PLE against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 0.20 mg/mL and 0.35 mg/mL, respectively. PLE was a more effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities than acarbose, the positive control. The postprandial blood glucose levels of STZ-induced diabetic mice were significantly lower in the PLE treated group than in the control group. Moreover, PLE administration was associated with a decreased area under the curve for the glucose response in diabetic mice. These results indicate that PLE may be a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities and may suppress postprandial hyperglycemia.

Effect of Polyopes lancifolia Extract on Oxidative Stress in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Induced by High Glucose

The protective effect of Polyopes lancifolia extract on high glucose-induced oxidative stress was investigated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). High concentration of glucose (30 mM) treatment induced HUVECs cell death, but Polyopes lancifolia extract, at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, protected cells from high glucose-induced damage. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide levels increased by high glucose treatment were effectively decreased by treatment with Polyopes lancifolia extract in a dose-dependent manner. Also, Polyopes lancifolia extract treatment reduced the overexpressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor-kappa B proteins activation that was induced by high glucose in HUVECs. These results indicate that Polyopes lancifolia extract is a potential therapeutic material that will reduce the damage caused by high glucose-induced-oxidative stress associated with diabetes.