Anti-diabetic properties of Momordica charantia L. polysaccharide in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Momordica charantia Bioactive Components: Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Benefits Through Gut Health Modulation

Momordica charantia (MC), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is well known for its pharmacological activities that exhibit hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. These properties are largely because of its abundant bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Over the years, numerous studies have confirmed the regulatory effects of MC extract on glycolipid metabolism. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on newly discovered MC-related components, such as insulin receptor-binding protein-19, adMc1, and MC protein-30 and triterpenoids 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al, and the role of MC in gut microbiota and bitter taste receptors. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the recently reported chemical compositions of MC, including polysaccharides, saponins, polyphenolics, peptides, and their beneficial effects. It also provides the latest updates on the role of MC in the regulation of gut microbiota and bitter taste receptor signaling pathways. As a result, this review will serve as a theoretical basis for potential applications in the creation or modification of MC-based nutrient supplements.

Extraction, structures, biological effects and potential mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharides: A review

Momordica charantia L. is a kind of vegetable with medicinal value. As the main component of the vegetable, Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) mainly consist of galactose, galacturonic acid, xylose, rhamnose, mannose and the molecular weight range is 4.33 × 103-1.16 × 106 Da. MCPs have been found to have various biological activities in recent years, such as anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, anti-brain injury, anti-obesity, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammation. In this review, we systematically summarized the extraction methods, structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of MCPs. Especially MCPs modulate gut microbiota and cause the alterations of metabolic products, which can regulate different signaling pathways and target gene expressions to exert various functions. Meanwhile, the potential structure-activity relationships of MCPs were analyzed to provide a scientific basis for better development or modification of MCPs. Future researches on MCPs should focus on industrial extraction and molecular mechanisms. In East Asia, Momordica charantia L. is used as both food and medicine. It is not clear whether MCP has its unique biological effects. Further study on the difference between MCPs and other food-derived polysaccharides will be helpful to the development and potential application of Momordica charantia L.

Extraction methods, multiple biological activities, and related mechanisms of Momordica charantia polysaccharide: A review

Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP) is a key bioactive compound derived from bitter melon fruit. This review summarizes the advancements in MCP research, including extraction techniques, biological activities, and mechanisms. MCP can be extracted using various methods, and has demonstrated hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. Research suggests that MCP may regulate metabolic enzymes, oxidative stress reactions, and inflammatory pathways. The review highlights the potential applications of MCP in areas such as anti-diabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory research. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MCP and optimizing extraction methods. This review provides a foundation for further research and utilization of MCP.

Metabolite profiling and biochemical investigation of the antidiabetic potential of Loranthus pulverulentus Wall n-butanol fraction in diabetic animal models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Globally, 537 million individuals are estimated to have diabetes. The traditional use of herbs for ameliorating diabetes symptoms is a common practice in Pakistan and use of Loranthus pulverulentus Wall (L. pulverulentus) by local people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, the antidiabetic potential of standardized n-butanol fraction of leaves of L. pulverulentus Wall, which is a parasite of Dalbergia sisso Roxb was assessed in both alloxan (ALX) and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical characterization of BF was performed using HPLC, GCMS and UHPLC-MS. The effect of the fraction (250 mg/kg) on insulin, plasma free fatty acids, L-lactate, pyruvate, MDA, HbA1c and glycogen levels in ALX and STZ animal models was determined. Liver and renal profiles were analyzed in the STZ model. Toxicological studies were performed by hemolytic, Ames mutagenicity, DNA protection, and thrombolytic assays. Histopathological analysis of the pancreas, liver, and kidney was performed.

RESULTS

BF demonstrated highly significant (p < 0.001) antidiabetic potential in both diabetic models. BF significantly (p < 0.05) improved OGTT results in alloxanized diabetic mice and blocked the absorption of glucose from the gut. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in insulin levels and glycogen content in liver tissue and a decrease in plasma FFA, MDA, HbA1c, L-lactate, and pyruvate levels in STZ-diabetic mice were recorded. GC-MS and chromatographic analysis showed the presence of catechin, eugenol, longifolene, caryophyllene, Ar-tumerone and Geranyl-alpha-terpinene. Various metabolites with antidiabetic potential, including 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol 4-D-glucoside, zingerone glucoside, trans-trismethoxy resveratrol-d4, epigallocatechin 3-O-cinnamate, and β-glucogallin, were identified using UHPLC-MS. Animals treated with BF showed marked improvements in cellular structures of the pancreas, liver and kidneys. This fraction is non-mutagenic and protects the DNA.

CONCLUSION

The experimental fraction contained potential antidiabetic bioactive compounds responsible for alleviating diabetes-associated biochemical dysregulation. The fraction increased insulin levels and enhanced glycogen storage in muscles and the liver. It blocked glucose absorption from the intestine and substantially decreased HbA1c, lactate, pyruvate, free fatty acids, lipid, liver and kidney damage. Therefore, the use of BF for the treatment of type-2 diabetes may be beneficial.

Effect of Picloram and Desiccation on the Somatic Embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum L

An efficient and reproducible in vitro method for indirect somatic embryogenesis was optimized by culturing leaf and leaf with petiole explants of Lycium barbarum L. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with various concentrations of Picloram and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), individually and in combinations, were tested. Picloram (1.0 µM) showed a better response compared to 2,4-D and results indicate it to be a better auxin for induction of somatic embryos for Goji berry. It was seen that the leaf explants were more responsive in callus and somatic embryo induction than the leaf with petiole explant when incubated in the dark for 5 weeks. Embryogenic callus, after being transferred to MS medium containing Benzyl amino purine (BAP) in 1.0 µM, 5.0 µM and 10.0 µM, began to differentiate in light after one week. MS medium with 1.0 µM Picloram + 10 µM BAP resulted as the most favorable treatment for somatic embryogenesis in Lycium barbarum L. Removal of plant growth regulators from MS medium and culturing induced calluses under 16 h photoperiod resulted in globular, heart, torpedo, cotyledons, and further development into plantlets. Well-developed plants have been obtained and are capable of acclimatizing in ex vitro conditions. In addition, the effects of desiccation treatments (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 h, and 12 h) on embryogenic callus for somatic embryo induction were found to be directly proportional to the length of desiccation treatment at room temperature. After 9 h and 12 h of desiccation treatments, 60% and 90% of plated calluses resulted in somatic embryos, respectively. In a L. barbarum callus mass, Acetocarmine and Evans blue double staining differentiated between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus. These findings will help Goji berry improvement by elite clone production, ex situ conservation projects, scaling up plant production, and agronomy for the commercial production of this superfruit in the future.

Exploring the mechanism of Jingshen Xiaoke decoction in treating T2DM mice based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Jingshen Xiaoke decoction (JS) was prepared by studying the classic prescriptions of famous scholars in the past dynasties to prevent and treat diabetes. The related mechanism of JS against hyperlipidemia has yet to be revealed.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of action of JS in treating diabetes mellitus by using bioinformatics methods.

METHODS

A database was used to search the active ingredients and targets of the JS and targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The protein interaction between the intersection targets, and the constructed the PPI network diagram was analyzed using the STRING database. Furthermore, the gene annotation tool DAVID was used to enrich the intersecting targets for the Gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway. Finally, Maestro software was used for molecular docking to verify the binding ability of the active ingredients to the core target genes.

RESULTS

A total of 45 active ingredients in JS were screened out corresponding to 239 effective targets, of which 64 targets were potential targets for treating T2DM. The analysis of PPI network diagram analysis revealed that the ingredients' active components are quercetin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, luteolin, and 7-Methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone. GO functional enrichment analysis indicated 186 biological processes (BP), 23 molecular functions (MF) and 13 cellular components (CC). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the enrichment of 59 signal pathways. The molecular docking results demonstrated that the active ingredients and core targets had a good docking affinity with a binding activity less than -7 kcal/mol. Finally, the western blotting illustrated that JS could up-regulate the liver PI3K/AKT-signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

JS can regulate glucolipid metabolism, reduce the inflammatory response, improve insulin resistance and modulate the immune response through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway treating of T2DM and its complications effects.

Controlling diabetes with the aid of medicinal herbs: a critical compilation of a decade of research

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder owing to the insulin faulty production or the resistance to the action mechanism where the accumulation of glucose is the major side effect in the body in the case of diabetes. Numerous herbs with the potential of reducing glucose production along with combating the secondary ailments associated with it but >1% out of 250,000 have been pharmacologically validated. Affordability and historical usage of these herbal remedies often result in patients' preference as primary or as adjunctive to conventional therapies. Clinical trials conducted with herbs are necessary for determining the efficacy of the herbs against diabetes. Additional benefits of herbal employment include the treatment of secondary ailments in patients along with diabetes including triglyceride reduction, cholesterol level management, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease control. Any individual extract marketed as antidiabetic formulations requires clinical validation before adoption but with ongoing disease status, quick validation in protocols and testing is needed to understand, isolate and cross-verify the status of the bioactive ingredient in individual herb and the polyherb extract formulations. Standardization, characterization, long-term role and impact on the human body, efficacy status, and toxicity profile need to be addressed fully for each active ingredient before it is advanced for production. Therefore, after trials, the related regulatory bodies will be approached to confirm the safety status and efficacy of the prepared concoction.

Bioactive polysaccharides from Momordica charantia as functional ingredients: a review of their extraction, bioactivities, structural-activity relationships, and application prospects

Momordica charantia L. is a well-known medicine and food homology plant with high pharmaceutical and nutritional values. Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers connected by glycosidic bonds, one of the key functional ingredients of M. charantia. Recently, M. charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) have attracted much attention from industries and researchers due to their anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetes, anti-bacteria, immunomodulatory, neuroprotection, and organ protection activities. However, the development and utilization of MCPs-based functional foods and medicines were hindered by the lack of a deeper understanding of the structure-activity relationship (SAR), structural modification, applications, and safety of MCPs. Herein, we provide an overview of the extraction, purification, structural characterization, bioactivities, and mechanisms of MCPs. Besides, SAR, toxicities, application, and influences of the modification associated with bioactivities are spotlighted, and the potential development and future study direction are scrutinized. This review provides knowledge and research underpinnings for the further research and application of MCPs as therapeutic agents and functional food additives.

Phenolics Extracted from Jasminum sambac Mitigates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Apoptotic Mediators and the Nfr-2/HO-1 Pathway in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder defined as hyperglycemia and pancreatic β-cell deterioration, leading to other complications such as cardiomyopathy. The current study assessed the therapeutic effects of phenolic acids extracted from Jasminum sambac phenols of leaves (JSP) against diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with each group consisting of 20 rats. The rats were given intraperitoneal injections of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The diabetes-induced groups (III and IV) received treatment for six weeks that included 250 and 500 mg/kg of JSP extract, respectively. In the treated rats, the results demonstrated that JSP extract restored fasting glucose, serum glucose, and hyperlipidemia. Alloxan induced cardiomyopathy, promoted oxidative stress, and altered cardiac function biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I, proBNP, CK-MB, LDH, and IMA. The JSP extract-treated rats showed improved cardiac function indicators, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In diabetic rats, the mRNA expression of caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while Bcl-2, Nrf-2, and HO-,1 was significantly lower. In the treated groups, the expression levels of the BAX, Nrf-2, HO-1, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 genes were dramatically returned to normal level. According to our findings, the JSP extract prevented cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the hyperglycemic rats by improving cardiac biomarkers and lowering the levels of hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.

Beyond cellulose: pharmaceutical potential for bioactive plant polysaccharides in treating disease and gut dysbiosis

Polysaccharides derived from plants, algae, or fungi serve as the major components of some human diets. Polysaccharides have been shown to exhibit diverse biological activities in improving human health, and have also been proposed to function as potent modulators of gut microbiota composition, thus playing a bi-directional regulatory role in host health. Here, we review a variety of polysaccharide structures potentially linked to biological functions, and cover current research progress in characterizing their pharmaceutical effects in various disease models, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial activities. We also highlight the effects of polysaccharides on modulating gut microbiota via enrichment for beneficial taxa and suppression of potential pathogens, leading to increased microbial expression of carbohydrate-active enzymes and enhanced short chain fatty acid production. This review also discusses polysaccharide-mediated improvements in gut function by influencing interleukin and hormone secretion in host intestinal epithelial cells.

The Management of Diabetes Mellitus Using Medicinal Plants and Vitamins

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic metabolic disease that is associated with hyperglycemia and several complications including cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. DM is caused by high levels of blood sugar in the body associated with the disruption of insulin metabolism and homeostasis. Over time, DM can induce life-threatening health problems such as blindness, heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke. Although the cure of DM has improved over the past decades, its morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Hence, new therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome the burden of this disease. One such prevention and treatment strategy that is easily accessible to diabetic patients at low cost is the use of medicinal plants, vitamins, and essential elements. The research objective of this review article is to study DM and explore its treatment modalities based on medicinal plants and vitamins. To achieve our objective, we searched scientific databases of ongoing trials in PubMed Central, Medline databases, and Google Scholar websites. We also searched databases on World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to collect relevant papers. Results of numerous scientific investigations revealed that phytochemicals present in medicinal plants (Allium sativum, Momordica charantia, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Zingiber officinale) possess anti-hypoglycemic activities and show promise for the prevention and/or control of DM. Results also revealed that intake of vitamins C, D, E, or their combination improves the health of diabetes patients by reducing blood glucose, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and blood pressure levels. However, very limited studies have addressed the health benefits of medicinal plants and vitamins as chemo-therapeutic/preventive agents for the management of DM. This review paper aims at addressing this knowledge gap by studying DM and highlighting the biomedical significance of the most potent medicinal plants and vitamins with hypoglycemic properties that show a great potential to prevent and/or treat DM.

Ultrasound-Microwave Combined Extraction of Novel Polysaccharide Fractions from Lycium barbarum Leaves and Their In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activities

Ultrasound-microwave combined extraction (UMCE), gradient ethanol precipitation, chemical characterization, and antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of Lycium barbarum leaf polysaccharides (LLP) were systematically studied. The optimal conditions for UMCE of LLP achieved by response surface method (RSM) were as follows: microwave time of 16 min, ultrasonic time of 20 min, particle size of 100 mesh, and ratio of liquid to solid of 55:1. Three novel polysaccharide fractions (LLP₃₀, LLP₅₀, LLP₇₀) with different molecular weights were obtained by gradient ethanol precipitation. Polysaccharide samples exhibited scavenging capacities against ABTS and DPPH radicals and inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Among the three fractions, LLP₃₀ possessed relatively high antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in vitro, which showed a potential for becoming a nutraceutical or a phytopharmaceutical for prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia or diabetes.

New insights into the bioactive polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids isolated from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and their relevance for nutraceutical and food application: A review

The recent trend in infectious diseases and chronic disorders has dramatically increased consumers' interest in functional foods. As a result, the research of bioactive ingredients with potential for nutraceutical and food application has rapidly become a topic of interest. In this optic, the plant Momordica charantia (M. charantia) has recently attracted the most attention owing to its numerous biological properties including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancers among others. However, the current literature on M. charantia has mainly been concerned with the plant extract while little is known on the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's health benefits. Hence, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent research progress on bioactives isolated from M. charantia, focusing on polysaccharides, proteins, and triterpenoids. Thus, this review provides an up-to-date account of the different extraction methods used to isolate M. charantia bioactives. In addition, the structural features and biological properties are presented. Moreover, this review discusses the current and promising applications of M. charantia bioactives with relevance to the nutraceutical and food industries. The information provided in this review will serve as a theoretical basis and practical support for the formulation of products enriched with M. charantia bioactives.

The Effects of Momordica charantia on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease

T2DM is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. It is recognized as one of the most common metabolic disorders and its prevalence continues to raise major concerns in healthcare globally. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a gradual neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by the chronic loss of cognitive and behavioral function. Recent research suggests a link between the two diseases. Considering the shared characteristics of both diseases, common therapeutic and preventive agents are effective. Certain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals found in vegetables and fruits can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that allow for preventative or potential treatment options for T2DM and AD. Recently, it has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Increasing evidence from cell or animal models suggests that bioactive compounds may have a direct effect on reducing hyperglycemia, amplifying insulin secretion, and blocking the formation of amyloid plaques. One plant that has received substantial recognition for its numerous bioactive properties is Momordica charantia (M. charantia), otherwise known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, karela, and balsam pear. M. charantia is utilized for its glucose-lowering effects and is often used as a treatment for diabetes and related metabolic conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India, and East Africa. Several pre-clinical studies have documented the beneficial effects of M. charantia through various postulated mechanisms. Throughout this review, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the bioactive components of M. charantia will be highlighted. More studies will be necessary to establish the clinical efficacy of the bioactive compounds within M. charantia to effectively determine its pertinence in the treatment of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as T2DM and AD.

Structural Characterization and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides from Stems of Houttuynia cordata

In this study, water-soluble natural polysaccharides were extracted from the stems of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCPS). The optimization of the hot water extraction process using response surface methodology (RSM), and the extraction factors, were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analysis and Pearson analysis. Then, the structural characterization and biological activity of the HCPS were investigated. The results indicated that the maximum extraction yield (2.43%) of the HCPS was obtained at the optimal condition (extraction temperature for 90 °C, extraction time for 5 h, solid-liquid ratio for 1:30 g/mL). The extraction temperature was determined to be the primary factor influencing the extraction yield. The HCPS molecules had an average molecular weight of 8.854 × 103 kDa and were primarily of mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), glucuronic acid (GlcA), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), and xylose (Xyl). In addition, the backbone of the HCPS might consist of →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-β-d-GalpA-(1→. The HCPS had no triple-helix structure. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the HCPS presented a smooth and uniform appearance, and some sheet and chain structures existed. Moreover, the HCPS exhibited significant anti-oxidant activity and inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. These findings showed that HCPS might be developed into a potential material for hypoglycemia, and provides a reference for the development of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide applications in food.

Comparative study on physicochemical characteristics, α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, and hypoglycemic activity of pectins from normal and Huanglongbing-infected navel orange peels

This study aimed at comparing the physicochemical characteristics, α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, and hypoglycemic activity of pectins (N-NOP and H-NOP) from peels of normal and Huanglongbing (HLB)-infected Navel oranges. Results indicated the pectins were high methoxy pectins mainly composed of homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I. The pectins exhibited similar functional groups, surface morphology, and particle size, and had no triple-helical conformation in solution. They exerted fat and glucose absorption capacities and were mixed-type noncompetitive α-glucosidase inhibitors with IC₅₀ values of 1.182 and 2.524 mg/ml, respectively. Both N-NOP and H-NOP showed hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Administration of them could promote the synthesis of hepatic glycogen and/or serum insulin to lower blood glucose levels and enhance antioxidant status to alleviate oxidative stress injury in diabetic mice. Moreover, N-NOP had higher yield, molecular weight, ζ-potential, oil holding capacity, α-glucosidase inhibitory effect and in vivo hypoglycemic activity, whereas H-NOP possessed higher uronic acid, degree of esterification, thermal stability, water holding capacity, swelling capacity, and fat absorption capacity. It could be concluded that some similarities and differences existed between N-NOP and H-NOP in physicochemical characteristics, functional properties, α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, and hypoglycemic activity. This study provides references for the basic research and application of pectins from peels of normal and HLB-infected Navel oranges. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pectin has been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for several decades due to its health benefit, gelling, thickening, and emulsification performances. Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide concern in recent years. Pectins (N-NOP and H-NOP) from peels of normal and Huanglongbing (HLB)-infected Navel oranges possessed in vitro and in vivo hypoglycemic activities, indicating they were potential anti-antidiabetic substitutes of chemical drugs. Moreover, comparative understanding on the physicochemical characteristic, α-glucosidase inhibitory effect and hypoglycemic activity of pectins from peels of normal and Huanglongbing-infected Navel oranges was conducive to the recycling and utilization of Navel orange peels. Recently, the biological activity of pectin from peels of normal Navel oranges has been rarely reported, and the information on pectin from peels of Huanglongbing-infected Navel orange is rare. This study provides references for the basic research and application of pectins from peels of normal and HLB-infected Navel oranges.

Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.)

Pumpkin is a well-known multifunctional ingredient in the diet, full of nutrients, and has opened new vistas for scientists during the past years. The fruit of pumpkin including the flesh, seed, and peel are a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites, including proteins, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, tryptophan, delta-7-sterols, and many other phytochemicals. This climber is traditionally used in many countries, such as Austria, Hungary, Mexico, Slovenia, China, Spain, and several Asian and African countries as a functional food and provides health promising properties. Other benefits of pumpkin, such as improving spermatogenesis, wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-ulcerative properties, and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia have also been confirmed by researchers. For better drug delivery, nanoemulsions and niosomes made from pumpkin seeds have also been reported as a health promising tool, but further research is still required in this field. This review mainly focuses on compiling and summarizing the most relevant literature to highlight the nutritional value, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic benefits of pumpkin.

The Signaling Pathways and Targets of Natural Compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a common neurological disorder associated with high disability rates and mortality rates. At present, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is the only US(FDA)-approved drug for IS. However, due to the narrow therapeutic window and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, r-tPA is currently used in less than 5% of stroke patients. Natural compounds have been widely used in the treatment of IS in China and have a wide range of therapeutic effects on IS by regulating multiple targets and signaling pathways. The keywords "ischemia stroke, traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, natural compounds" were used to search the relevant literature in PubMed and other databases over the past five years. The results showed that JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, Notch, Nrf2, and PI3K/Akt are the key pathways, and SIRT1, MMP9, TLR4, HIF-α are the key targets for the natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicine in treating IS. This study aims to update and summarize the signaling pathways and targets of natural compounds in the treatment of IS, and provide a base of information for the future development of effective treatments for IS.

Hot Air-Assisted Radio Frequency (HARF) Drying on Wild Bitter Gourd Extract

Wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata S.) is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine and is also a vegetable and fruit that people eat daily. Wild bitter gourd has many bioactive components, such as saponin, polysaccharide, and protein, and the extract is used to adjust blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate simultaneous hot air-assisted radio frequency (HARF) drying and pasteurization for bitter gourd extract, and then to evaluate its effects on blood sugar of type II diabetic mice. The results showed that the solid–liquid ratio of the wild bitter gourd powder to water was 1:10 and it was extracted using focused ultrasonic extraction (FUE) for only 10 min with 70 °C water. Then, 1 kg of concentrated bitter gourd extract was mixed with soybean fiber powder at a ratio of 2:1.1. It was dried by HARF, and the temperature of the sample could reach above 80 °C in only 12 min to simultaneously reduce moisture content (wet basis) from 58% to 15% and achieve a pasteurization effect to significantly reduce the total bacterial and mold counts. Type II diabetic mice induced by nicotinamide and streptozocin (STZ) for two weeks and then were fed four-week feeds containing 5% RF-dried wild gourd extract did not raise fasting blood glucose. Therefore, the dried powder of wild bitter gourd extracts by HARF drying had a hypoglycemic effect.

Molecular docking of phytochemical compounds of Momordica charantia as potential inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recently declared as a global public health emergency, where the infection is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Nowadays, there is no specific treatment to cure this infection. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and SARS spike glycoprotein-human ACE2 complex have been recognized as suitable targets for treatment including COVID-19 vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

In our current study, we identified the potential of Momordica charantia as a prospective alternative and a choice in dietary food during pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 16 bioactive compounds of Momordica charantia were screened for activity against 6LU7 and 6CS2 with AutoDock Vina.

RESULTS

We found that momordicoside B showed lowest binding energy compared with other compounds. In addition, kuguaglycoside A and cucurbitadienol provide better profiles for drug-like properties based on Lipinski's rule of five.

CONCLUSION

Our result indicates that these molecules may be further explored as promising candidates against SARS-CoV-2 or just simply suggested that Momordica charantia as one of the best food alternatives to be consumed during pandemic.

The novel anti-inflammatory activity of mcIRBP from Momordica charantia is associated with the improvement of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is an inflammatory immune disorder accompanying diabetes.

Impact of Quercus infectoria Galls Extract on Thyroid Gland and Testicular Functions in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be accompanied by thyroid and testicular dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Quercus infectoria galls (QIg) extract on the thyroid gland and testicular functions in diabetic rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, consisting of normal control, diabetic untreated control, diabetic treated with oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW, respectively for 15 days. Serum blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized for histopathological analysis of thyroid gland and testis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in the thyroid gland of rats. The significant increase in serum blood glucose level in diabetic rats (DC) was markedly decreased by treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) almost to the normal level. The reduced thyroid hormones, both the T3 and T4 were significantly recovered after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW). Whereas serum concentration of testosterone was significantly reduced in diabetic rats with QIg extract (500 mg and 100 mg/kg BW) treatment. Histopathological analysis of diabetic rats showed a wide range of morphological alterations in thyroid gland and testicular structures, which were almost completely, restored back to normal by treatment of rats with QIg extract. Furthermore, results showed overexpression of TTF-1 in the thyroid gland of diabetic rats, which was recovered back to normal expression after 15 days of treatment with QIg extract. These findings may provide new insights into the potential role of QIg extract as a promising therapeutic agent against diabetic complications in thyroid gland and testicular functions.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of a methanolic extract of Debregeasia salicifolia in Alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine syndrome characterized by high blood glucose levels due to abrogated insulin activity. The existing treatments for DM have side effects and varying degrees of efficacy. Therefore, it is paramount that novel approaches be developed to enhance the management of DM. Therapeutic plants have been accredited as having comparatively high efficacy with fewer adverse effects. The current study aims to elucidate the phytochemical profile, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic effects of methanolic extract D. salicifolia (leaves) in Alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (150 mg kg-1, b.w), to induced diabetes in mice. The mice were divided into three groups (n=10). Group 1 (normal control) received normal food and purified water, Group II (diabetic control) received regular feed and clean water and group III (diabetic treated) received a methanolic extract of the plant (300 mg kg-1) for 28 days with a typical diet and clean water throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected to checked serum glucose and concentration of LDL, TC, TG. The extract demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic activity (P<0.05), whereas improvements in mice's body weight and lipid profiles were observed after treatment with the extract. This study establishes that the extract has high efficacy with comparatively less toxicity that can be used for DM management.

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used in Democratic Republic of Congo: A Critical Review of Ethnopharmacology and Bioactivity Data

Several studies have been conducted and published on medicinal plants used to manage Diabetes Mellitus worldwide. It is of great interest to review available studies from a country or a region to resort to similarities/discrepancies and data quality. Here, we examined data related to ethnopharmacology and bioactivity of antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were extracted from Google Scholar, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other documents focusing on ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and phytochemistry antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005 to September 2021. The Kew Botanic Royal Garden and Plants of the World Online web databases were consulted to verify the taxonomic information. CAMARADES checklist was used to assess the quality of animal studies and Jadad scores for clinical trials. In total, 213 plant species belonging to 72 botanical families were reported. Only one plant, Droogmansia munamensis, is typically native to the DRC flora; 117 species are growing in the DRC and neighboring countries; 31 species are either introduced from other regions, and 64 are not specified. Alongside the treatment of Diabetes, about 78.13% of plants have multiple therapeutic uses, depending on the study sites. Experimental studies explored the antidiabetic activity of 133 plants, mainly in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Several chemical classes of antidiabetic compounds isolated from 67 plant species have been documented. Rare phase II clinical trials have been conducted. Critical issues included poor quality methodological protocols, author name incorrectly written (16.16%) or absent (14.25%) or confused with a synonym (4.69%), family name revised (17.26%) or missing (1.10%), voucher number not available 336(92.05%), ecological information not reported (49.59%). Most plant species have been identified and authenticated (89.32%). Hundreds of plants are used to treat Diabetes by traditional healers in DRC. However, most plants are not exclusively native to the local flora and have multiple therapeutic uses. The analysis showed the scarcity or absence of high-quality, in-depth pharmacological studies. There is a need to conduct further studies of locally specific species to fill the gap before their introduction into the national pharmacopeia.

Delineating the inherent functional descriptors and biofunctionalities of pectic polysaccharides

Pectin is a plant-based heteropolysaccharide macromolecule predominantly found in the cell wall of plants. Pectin is commercially extracted from apple pomace, citrus peels and sugar beet pulp and is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, emulsifier, encapsulant, and gelling agent. This review highlights various parameters considered important for describing the inherent properties and biofunctionalities of pectins in food systems. These inherent descriptors include monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molecular weight, structural morphology, functional group analysis, and functional properties, such as water and oil holding capacity, emulsification, foaming capacity, foam stability, and viscosity. In this study, we also delineate their potential as a nutraceutical, prebiotic, and carrier for bioactive compounds. The biofunctionalities of pectin as an anticancer, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetic agent are also conceptually elaborated in the current review. The multidimensional characteristics of pectin make it a potential candidate for use in food and biomedical science.

Momordica Charantia Polysaccharides Attenuates MPP+-Induced Injury in Parkinson’s Disease Mice and Cell Models by Regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway

Objective. To investigate the potential role of Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and reveal the molecular mechanism of its function. Method. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, MPP+) were used to establish PD mice and cell models. The mice and cells were divided into 4 groups: Control group, Control+MCPs group, PD group, and PD+MCPs group. Pole climbing experiment and Rotarod experiment were used to observe the coordination ability of mice. High-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine neurotransmitters and metabolites, inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β, oxidative stress-related markers SOD, MDA, and GSH in striatum tissues. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), oxidative stress-related protein Cytochrome C (Cytochrome C), and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved Caspase-3 in tissues and cells. Moreover, flow cytometry, PI staining, and fluorescence were used to observe cell apoptosis. Finally, the activation effect of MCPs on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was observed and verified. Results. Compared with the Control group, MPTP treatment can induce brain damage in mice (all $P<0.05$ ), change the metabolic state of neurotransmitters (all $P<0.05$ ), induce inflammation (all $P<0.05$ ), and induce apoptosis and the occurrence of oxidation reaction (all $P<0.05$ ); however, MCPs treatment can significantly reverse the above changes (all $P<0.05$ ). In cell models, studies have found that MCPs can play a protective role by regulating the activation state of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Conclusion. This study found that the application of MCPs therapy can play anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic effects in PD by regulating the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Glycemic Control Potential of Chemically Characterized Extract from Withania frutescens L. Roots in Severe Diabetes-Induced Mice

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome that causes impairment, mortality, and many other complications. Insulin and several synthetic medications are currently used in the treatment of diabetes. However, these pharmaceutical drugs are costly, and therefore medicines place priority on alternatives to fight this lethal disease. This modest study aims to investigate the chemical composition, antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic potentials along with subacute toxicity (bodyweight change and biochemical parameters) of hydroethanol extract from Withania frutescens L. roots (WFRE). The chemical analysis was carried out using GC–MS after extract silylation. The chemical analysis identified many potentially active compounds that may determine the antidiabetic results of WFRE. The antidiabetic effect of WFRE was evaluated in mice with severe diabetes using oral administration of doses up to 400 mg/kg for 28 days. The results of the antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic tests indicate that WFRE possesses promising glucose-lowering effects and, as a result, it may serve as an antidiabetic alternative for long-term use. The 4-week treatments with different doses of plant extract did not alter the bodyweight appearance of the diabetic mice nor their biochemical parameters (AST and ALT). The findings obtained indicate that the studied plant extract controlled severe diabetes in mice. Therefore, Withania frutescens L. can serve society as it provides natural agents to control diabetes.

[Research progress in the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism]

Polysaccharides are a group of compounds composed of multiple monosaccharides of the same or different structures combined by glycosidic bonds, and are widely found in animals and plants and in the cell walls of microorganisms. Polysaccharides possess the advantages of high safety and low toxicity. Recent studies revealed that polysaccharides have a wide range of biological activities including immunoregulation, anti-tumor, antiviral, antioxidant activities, and blood glucose-and lipid- lowering effects. The effects of polysaccharides in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism have drawn much attention from researchers. Many polysaccharides can reduce blood glucose and blood lipid by repairing pancreatic islet cells, improving insulin resistance, regulating intestinal flora, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and regulating the activities of key enzymes in glucose and lipid metabolism. This reviews examines the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The mechanisms of polysaccharide in regulating glucose metabolism include repairing islet cells and increasing insulin content, increasing insulin sensitivity and improving insulin resistance, regulating the activity of key enzymes in glucose metabolism, increasing synthesis of liver glycogen, and regulating intestinal flora. Polysaccharides can also regulate glucose metabolism by improving immune regulation and antagonizing glucagon. Polysaccharide also regulate lipid metabolism by regulating lipid absorption, expression of the related genes such as PPAR-α, enzyme activities in lipid metabolism, improving antioxidant capacity, and modulating intestinal flora and signaling pathways.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) Fruit Bioactives Charantin and Vicine Potential for Diabetes Prophylaxis and Treatment

Natural products are gaining clinical significance in modern day health care systems to prevent diseases. Bitter melon, a health promoting vegetable, is traditionally used for medical nutrition therapy to cure diabetes but to reap maximum health claims, vigilant control of its substances in diet is crucial as part of curative action for effective diabetes management. In the present research, first phase focused on detection of key bioactive components, i.e., charantin and vicine in different parts of its fruit. In the second phase, normal and hyperglycemic Sprague Dawley rats were fed on skin, flesh and whole fruit of bitter melon at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight and assessed for diabetes prophylaxis and treatment. The highest amount of charantin (0.16 ± 0.02 mg/g) was recorded in flesh while vicine was present in abundance in whole fruit (0.21 ± 0.01 μg/100 g). In normal rats, bitter melon supplementation was helpful in managing the onset of diabetes. Hyperglycemic rats showed diabetic complications including polydipsia, polyuria, glycosuria, renal hypertrophy and increased glomerular filtration rate. However, bitter melon consumption showed significant improvements in these parameters. The most potent dose was 300 mg/kg whole fruit that resulted in 31.64% lowering of blood glucose level and 27.35% increase in insulin level in hyperglycemic rats.

Hypoglycemic Effects of Licochalcone A on the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice and Its Mechanism Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a type of metabolic illness based on relatively insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance (IR) as pathophysiological bases. Currently, it is the main type of diabetes. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of licochalcone A (LicA) on high-fat diet and streptozocin-caused T2DM were studied. LicA can remarkably decline the IR index and blood glucose and serum lipid levels. Also, the treatment of LicA can improve the "three more and one less" phenomenon in T2DM mice, such as excessive drinking, eating, urine, and weight loss. In addition, LicA can improve oral glucose tolerance, pancreatic injury, and liver enlargement in T2DM mice. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that the observed pharmacological effects were mediated by regulating the insulin signal transduction pathway. Therefore, the PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway was selected for verification; it was demonstrated that LicA could improve the insulin-signaling pathway, protect islet cells, improve IR, reduce blood glucose levels, and alleviate lipid metabolism disorder. Its mechanism of influence may be closely related to LicA up-regulating the liver and pancreas IRS-2/PI3K/AKT-signaling pathway. Among them, the high-dose group of LicA had the best effect, which provided an idea for the use of LicA as a nutritional agent in the cure of T2DM.

The Effect of Momordica charantia in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

In recent years, many studies of Momordica charantia (MC) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been reported. This article reviewed the effect and mechanism of MC against diabetes, including the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials. The common side effects of MC were also summarized. We hope that it might open up new ideas for further mechanism exploration and clinical application as well as provide a scientific theoretical basis for the development of drugs or foods derived from MC.

Anti-cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury of polysaccharides: A review of the mechanisms

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury can lead to a series of serious brain diseases and cause death or different degrees of disability. Polysaccharide is a kind of biological macromolecule with multiple pharmacological activities and has been proven that it may be used for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury in the future. By sorting out all relevant research from 2000 to 2020, we selected 74 references and identified 22 kinds of polysaccharides. Almost all of these polysaccharides are extracted from traditional Chinese medicine. Research shows that these polysaccharides can improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through anti-oxidative stress, inhibiting the neuroinflammation, glutamate neurotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis, and exerting neurotrophic effect. The specific mechanisms include clearing ROS and RNS, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and blocking caspase cascade, regulating NMDA receptor and promoting angiogenesis. We hoped this review is instructive for researchers to design, research and develop polysaccharides.

Momordica charantia Extract Protects against Diabetes-Related Spermatogenic Dysfunction in Male Rats: Molecular and Biochemical Study

More than 90% of diabetic patients suffer from sexual dysfunction, including diminished sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability, and low testosterone levels. The effects of Momordica charantia (MC) were studied by estimating the blood levels of insulin, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), testosterone (TST), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in diabetic rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. of the total extract. Testicular antioxidants, epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular histopathology, and lesion scoring were also investigated. Testicular mRNA expression of apoptosis-related markers such as antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, caspase-3 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MC administration resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and HbA1c and marked elevation of serum levels of insulin, TST, and gonadotropins in diabetic rats. It induced a significant recovery of testicular antioxidant enzymes, improved histopathological changes of the testes, and decreased spermatogenic and Sertoli cell apoptosis. MC effectively inhibited testicular apoptosis, as evidenced by upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of Bax and caspase-3. Moreover, reduction in apoptotic potential in MC-treated groups was confirmed by reduction in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression ratio.

Water-soluble and alkali-soluble polysaccharides from bitter melon inhibited lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans

Bitter melon polysaccharides (BPS) have been reported to have hypolipidemic effects. However, the precise mechanism of BPS regulating lipid metabolism remains elusive. Water-soluble (WBPS) and alkali-soluble bitter melon polysaccharides (ABPS) were extracted to evaluate the fat-lowering bioactivities in HepG2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. WBPS and ABPS were slightly different in the uronic acid contents (22.23% and 5.69%), monosaccharide composition, molecular weight (Mw: 332 kDa and 1552 kDa, respectively) and IR spectra. In palmitic acid-treated HepG2 cell, the ABPS exhibited better effects on accelerating glucose consumption and decreasing the triglyceride content than WBPS via stimulating glucose consumption (GLUT4) and gluconeogenesis (PEPCK). In the model of glucose-treated C. elegans, we observed that both WBPS and ABPS obviously suppressed the fat accumulation, more significantly by ABPS, along with no toxicity towards some physical activities. Fat-5, fat-6 and fat-7 mediated fatty acid desaturases pathways were further confirmed to be involved in the lipid-lowering effects of BPSs. Our studies demonstrated that both WBPS and ABPS can exhibit effects on fat- lowering in HepG2 cells and C. elegans.

Physicochemical Characterization of Hizikia fusiforme Polysaccharide and Its Hypoglycemic Activity via Mediating Insulin-Stimulated Blood Glucose Utilization of Skeletal Muscle in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

In the current study, a functional polysaccharide fraction (HFP) was obtained from Hizikia fusiforme by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, and its structural characterization and hypoglycemic activity and potential molecular mechanism were investigated. The results indicated that HFP with high uronic acid was a heterogeneous polysaccharide composed of six monosaccharides. Congo red test explained that HFP had no triple helix conformation. AFM analysis revealed that HFP was spherical particle with flame-like aggregates and multiple strands closely arranged. Rheological analysis showed that HFP exhibited shear-thinning flow behavior. HFP significantly ameliorated diabetes-related symptoms and serum profiles and increased muscle glycogen storage in rats. HFP administration at 400 mg/kg body weight/day displayed greater advantages than metformin in controlling the levels of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bile acid (TBA) of diabetic rats. Intervention of HFP up-regulated markedly the expression of AMPK-α, GLUT4, PI3K and Akt in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats at the mRNA and protein levels, revealing hypoglycemic effects of HFP may be related closely to improving insulin resistance and mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle.

Production, physicochemical characteristics, and in vitro biological activities of polysaccharides obtained from fresh bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) via room temperature extraction techniques

In this study, polysaccharides (BPSs) were obtained from fresh bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) by room temperature extraction techniques, including three-phase partitioning (TPP) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) performed in different solvents. The results showed that the extraction methods had significant influence on the extraction yield, chemical composition, weight-average molecular weight (M_w), monosaccharide composition, preliminary structural characterization and microstructure of the BPSs. The BPS-W sample obtained from the bitter gourd residue via UAE in distilled water had a higher uronic acid content (24.22%) and possessed stronger antioxidant capacities and α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory activities than BPS-C extracted with UAE in citric acid, BPS-A extracted with UAE in 1.25 mol/L NaOH/0.05% NaBH₄, and BPS-J extracted from bitter gourd juice by TPP. Moreover, BPS-A, which had the lowest M_ws, showed the best bile acid-binding capacity among the four BPSs. This study had great potentials for the preparation of bioactive polysaccharides from fresh vegetables.

Investigation of anti-diabetic plants used among the ethnic communities of Kanpur division, India

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kanpur division is one of the large areas of India with diverse traditional medicinal heritage. In this area, a large number of people suffer from diabetes mellitus. People in this area handle diabetes with herbal and modern medicinal treatments. However, folk knowledge for the treatment of diabetes is not documented.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To document and promulgate the enormous indigenous knowledge of therapeutic importance of herbal plants used by the local practitioners for diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Total 44 local practitioners (28 male and 16 female) were interviewed through a questionnaire. The medicinal plants suggested by the practitioners were identified by the taxonomist, and plant specimens were preserved.

RESULTS

Thirty-five species of plants, belonging to 24 families, were suggested by 44 local healers of Kanpur division. The fidelity level (FL), use values (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) for each plant have been analyzed. The UV, FL, and RFC values of the recorded plants ranged between 0.97 to 0.23, 82.7%-24.1% and 0.327 to 0.067, respectively. Leguminosae family dominated with 14.28% of the total plants. The highest used life form was recorded as tree (43%) while the most widely used plant part was leaf (30.6%). The highest UV, FL, and RFC were recorded for the Aloe vera L. (0.97), Syzygium cumini L. (82.7%) and Momordica charantia L. (0.327) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study exhibits the knowledge and use of anti-diabetic plants adopted by the ethnic communities of Kanpur division. Future pharmacological investigations are required to test the potency and efficacy of herbal treatments. There is also a need for sustainable use and conservation of these medicinally useful plants.

Regulation of Cl- Electrolyte Permeability in Epithelia by Active Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers for Diarrhea

The epithelial layer, lining the inner surface of the mammalian alveolar, kidney, brain and colon, is a typical electrolyte transporting tissue. Large quantities of salt and fluid are actively moved from the mucosal side toward the blood vessel. Transepithelial salt re-absorption in epithelial tissues plays an important role in maintaining fluid homeostasis. In absorptive epithelium, fluid and salt flux is controlled by the machinery mainly composed of epithelial sodium channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter, Na+/H+ exchanger, and Na+/K+-ATPase. Dysregulation of salt permeability across epithelium contributes to the pathogenesis of organ edema. In numerous ion transporters, epithelial Cl- transportation plays an important role in water secretion across epithelial tissues and regulation of body fluid content. Many traditional Chinese medicines treat diarrhea by regulating the Cl- electrolyte transport. We systematically summarized the recent progress regarding the traditional Chinese medicine on Cl- electrolyte transport in the intestinal epithelial tissues. The pharmaceutical relevance of developing advanced strategies to mitigate edematous disorders is also implicated. In conclusion, the crosstalk between Cl- electrolyte transport and active traditional Chinese medicine monomers may lead to the development of new strategies for diarrhea by manipulating the function and expression of ion channels.

Effects of polysaccharide from Pueraria lobata on gut microbiota in mice

Polysaccharide was derived from Pueraria lobata (PPL) which was considered as one of the traditional Chinese medicinal and edible herbs. In the present study, PPL was administered in equal doses (12.5 mg/kg) to both normal mice and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) mice for two weeks, and was evaluated in terms of body weight, organ indices, gut structure, gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids. The results showed that normal mice treated with PPL not only reduced the isovaleric acid concentration (P < 0.05), but also significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, involving Oscillospira and Anaerotruncus (P < 0.05). In addition, PPL could relieve colonic pathological changes and gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by AAD. It indicated that PPL was a potential functional food ingredient by modulating gut microbiota.

Physicochemical properties of polysaccharide fractions from Sargassum fusiforme and their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in type 2 diabetic rats

Two polysaccharide fractions (SFPs, designated as respectively SFP-1 and SFP-2) were acquired from Sargassum fusiforme by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, and their physicochemical properties and hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects were investigated. Structural analysis indicated that SFPs were obvious different in the zeta potential, molecular weight distribution, characteristic organic group, microstructure and the contents of total sugar, uronic acid, sulfate and moisture. SFPs consisted of fucose, mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose and glucuronic acid with different molar ratios. Congo red test explained that SFPs had no triple-helix structure. SFP-1 exhibited lower viscosity due to its lower molecular weight. Regarding to hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, oral administration of SFPs prominently restrained loss of body weight and increase of water intake, and also significantly controlled the increase of levels of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid (UA), urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of diabetic rats, and SFP-2 showed better effects in controlling fasting blood glucose, ALT, UA and BUN levels. Intervention of SFP-2 reduced the levels of insulin, FFA and TBA of diabetic rats. Histomorphological observation further demonstrated that SFPs could attenuate liver and kidney damage caused by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Data indicated that SFPs, especially SFP-2, significantly improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and liver and kidney function of diabetic rats.

Chemical modifications of polysaccharides and their anti-tumor activities

With the rising trend of incidence of cancers, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. However, the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Polysaccharides belong to a class of biomacromolecules, which have drawn considerable research interest over the years as it possess anti-cancer activities or can increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs with fewer side effects. The antitumor activity of many polysaccharides was significantly increased after modification. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been focused on discovering anti-cancer polysaccharides and modified derivatives for the development of effective therapeutics for various human cancers. This review highlights recent advances on the major chemical modification methods of polysaccharides, and discusses the effect of molecular modification on the physicochemical properties and anti-tumor activities of polysaccharides. Meanwhile, the underlying anti-tumor mechanisms of polysaccharide and its modified derivatives were also discussed.

The Role of Momordica charantia in Resisting Obesity

Momordica charantia (M. charantia), commonly known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, kugua, balsam pear, or karela, is a tropical and sub-tropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It has been used to treat a variety of diseases in the traditional medicine of China, India, and Sri Lanka. Here, we review the anti-obesity effects of various bioactive components of M. charantia established at the cellular and organismal level. We aim to provide links between various bioactive components of M. charantia and their anti-obesity mechanism. An advanced search was conducted on the worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SciFinder, CNKI) database with the query TS = “Momordica charantia” and “obesity”. Information was also obtained from International Plant Names Index, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese herbal classic books, online databases, PhD and MSc dissertations, etc. First, studies showing the anti-obesity effects of M. charantia on the cells and on animals were classified. The major bioactive components that showed anti-obesity activities included proteins, triterpenoids, saponins, phenolics, and conjugated linolenic acids. Their mechanisms included inhibition of fat synthesis, promotion of glucose utilization, and stimulation of auxiliary lipid-lowering activity. Finally, we summarized the risks of excessive consumption of M. charantia and the application. Although further research is necessary to explore various issues, this review establishes the therapeutic potential of M. charantia and it is highly promising candidate for the development of anti-obesity health products and medicines.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) possess developmental toxicity as revealed by screening the seeds and fruit extracts in zebrafish embryos

Background

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has attracted the focus of researchers owing to its excellent anti-diabetic action. The beneficial effect of Momordica charantia on heart has been reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. However the developmental toxicity or potential risk of M. charantia on fetus heart development is largely unknown. Hence this study was designed to find out the developmental toxicity of M. charantia using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.

Methods

The crude extracts were prepared from fruit and seeds of M. charantia. The Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of each of the crude extract. The biologically active fractions were fractionated by C18 column using high pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry was done to identify chemical constituents in fruit and seed extract of M. charantia.

Results

The seed extract of M. charantia was lethal with LD₅₀ values of 50 μg/ml to zebrafish embryos and multiple anomalies were observed in zebrafish embryos at sub-lethal concentration. However, the fruit extract was much safe and exposing the zebrafish embryos even to 200 μg/ml did not result any lethality. The fruit extract induced severe cardiac hypertrophy in treated embryos. The time window treatment showed that M. charantia perturbed the cardiac myoblast specification process in treated zebrafish embryos. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed diverse chemical group in the active fruit fraction and five new type of compounds were identified in the crude seeds extract of M. charantia by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry.

Conclusion

The teratogenicity of seeds extract and cardiac toxicity by the fruit extract of M. charantia warned that the supplementation made from the fruit and seeds of M. charantia should be used with much care in pregnant diabetic patients to avoid possible damage to developing fetus.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2599-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.