Anti-diabetic potentials of Momordica charantia and Andrographis paniculata and their effects on estrous cyclicity of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Terpenoids as potential phytoconstituent in the treatment of diabetes: From preclinical to clinical advancement

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus, a hyperglycemic condition associated with multitudinous organ dysfunction, is a hallmark of the metabolic disorder. This life-threatening condition affects millions of individuals globally, harming them financially, physically and psychologically in the course of therapy.

PURPOSES

The course therapy for illnesses has undergone ground-breaking transformations due to recent technical advances and insights. Alternatively, the administration of hyperglycemia-reducing agents results in several complications, including severe cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, hepatic problems, and several dermatological conditions. Consideration of alternate diabetic therapy having minimal side effects or no adverse reactions has been driven by such problems.

STUDY DESIGN

An extensive literature study was conducted in authoritative scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify the studies elucidating the bioactivities of terpenoids in diabetic conditions.

METHODS

Keywords including 'terpenoids', 'monoterpenes', 'diterpenes', 'sesquiterpenes', 'diabetes', 'diabetes mellitus', 'clinical trials', 'preclinical studies', and 'increased blood glucose' were used to identify the relevant research articles. The exclusion criteria, such as English language, duplication, open access, abstract only, and studies not involving preclinical and clinical research, were set. Based on these criteria, 937 relevant articles were selected for further evaluation.

RESULTS

Triterpenes can serve as therapeutic agents for diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney dysfunction by inhibiting several pathways linked to hyperglycemia and its complications. Therefore, it is essential to draw special attention to these compounds' therapeutic effectiveness and provide scientific professionals with novel data.

CONCLUSION

This study addressed recent progress in research focussing on mechanisms of terpenoid, its by-products, physiological actions, and therapeutic applications, particularly in diabetic and associated disorders.

Andrographolide, diterpenoid constituent of Andrographis paniculata: Review on botany, phytochemistry, molecular docking analysis, and pharmacology

Andrographispaniculata (kalmegh) is also known as "king of bitters", is an herbaceous plant belongs to family Acanthaceae. The therapeutic effect is due to presence of diterpenoid lactone derivatives of A. paniculata mainly andrographolide. The main purpose of this review includes detailed (past and present) study of A. paniculata and its most important component andrographolide a diterpenoid lactone with respect to its botany, phytochemistry, molecular docking analysis and pharmacological effects i.e., therapeutic benefits. In reference to the search, we also compiled variety of dosage forms available, which are made up of A. paniculata extract and Andrographolide such as tablets and capsules. This review also discusses reported methods of extraction of phytoconstituents, pharmacokinetics of main components, their molecular docking analysis data and main therapeutic applications with their proposed mechanism of actions in various diseases. According to data collected, A. paniculata is becoming more and more valuable as a therapeutic herb.

Arabic gum ameliorates systemic modulation in Alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic rats

Medicinal plants are considered an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus as they regulate glucose levels. Moreover, a variety of plants offer a rich source of bioactive compounds that have potent pharmacological effects without any negative side effects. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of Arabic gum/Gum Acacia (GA) on the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes observed in diabetic rats. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of GA in response to diabetes, through inflammatory mediators analysis. Male rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, diabetic, Arabic gum-treated, and Arabic gum-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan. Animals were sacrificed after 7 and 21 days of treatment with Arabic gum. Body weight, blood and pancreas tissue samples were collected for analysis. Alloxan injection significantly decreased body weight, increased glucose levels, decreased insulin levels, and caused depletion of islets of Langerhans and β-cell damage in the pancreas. Arabic gum treatment of diabetic rats significantly increased body weight, decreased serum glucose levels, increased insulin levels, exerts anti-inflammatory effect, and improved the pancreas tissue structure. Arabic gum has beneficial pharmacological effects in diabetic rats; therefore, it might be employed as diabetic therapy to reduce the hyperglycemic damage and may be applicable for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment. Further, the new bioactive substances, such as medications made from plants, have larger safety margins, and can be used for a longer period of time.

Medicinal plants used by rural Thai people to treat non-communicable diseases and related symptoms

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming more common in remote regions, whereas previously they were more common in middle-class to wealthy societies. The rising prevalence and severity of NCDs has increased the demand for medical innovation in this space. In this regard, knowledge of traditional medicines used in the treatment of NCDs, by people in the remote communities of Thailand, represents an innovation opportunity. This study aims to use data on ethnomedicinal plants used by local Thai people to identify plant candidates for study of safety and efficacy against a range of specified NCDs. Data were taken from both the literature and interviews from 230 locations in Thailand. The consulted literature was published in the years from 1990 to 2020. Ethnomedicinal field observations were made in person, in villages in Nan and Chiang Rai provinces, in 2021. Data includes names of plants used to target NCDs, and names of target diseases. Important plant species were identified based on the number of use reports and use values together with results from Bayesian approach. A total of 766 plant species were recorded in the treatment of NCDs. Most of the species that were described by informants were used to target diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory and renal diseases. This study proposes several plant species that have potential as treatments against NCDs. Many of these important species have insufficient scientific data to support their uses. The study suggests that assessment of efficacy and safety should be the next logical steps.

Andrographis paniculata mitigates first-line anti-tubercular drugs-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

CONTEXT

Anti-tubercular drugs (ATDs) mediated adverse drug reactions are major concerns for clinicians to treat tuberculosis infection. This study aimed to investigate Andrographis paniculata extract-based phytotherapy to combat the nephrotoxic effects caused by ATDs therapy.

METHODS

Reno-protective effect of A. paniculata extract in ATDs-induced rats was evaluated through LPO, GSH, CAT, SOD, GST, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and histopathological studies. Standardization of the extract was performed RP-HPLC and FTIR analysis. Whereas, the effect of A. paniculata extract on ATDs induced genetic perturbation was analyzed using micronucleus assay. Moreover, the expression level of the xenometabolic gene was investigated using RT-PCR to explore the therapeutic mechanism.

RESULTS

The nephrotoxic effect of ATDs was indicated by elevated levels of LPO and renal function markers along with the reduced activity of renal antioxidants. An up-regulated expression profile of NAT gene and histological alterations were observed in renal tissue however, micronucleated PCEs were observed in bone marrow cells. Concomitant treatment with A. paniculata extract revealed a noticeable amelioration of elevated oxidative stress markers, gene expression levels, genotoxic perturbation, and histological alterations in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Hence, the present study using A. paniculata leaf extract confirmed to play effective phytotherapy against ATDs induced renal toxicity.

Effect of co-administration of metformin and extracts of Costus pictus D.Don leaves on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

Background and aim

The present study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aqueous (CPAQ) and methanolic (CPME) extract of Costus pictus D. Don singly and/or in combination with metformin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Experimental procedure

CPAQ and CPME (400 mg/kg dose), metformin (120 mg/kg) and two different combinations of plant extracts and metformin (200 + 60 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg + 60 mg/kg) were orally given to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. At 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured.

Results and conclusion

After 21 days of treatment, biochemical profiling and histopathology analysis were carried out. CPAQ and CPME, when administrated separately, could decrease blood glucose levels (P ≤ 0.05). CPME showed more promising results (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the diabetic control group. Extracts co-administrated with metformin showed dose-dependent significant recovery of hypoglycemic activity of metformin. Fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, protein, and lipid profile of the treatment group were compared to the diabetic and normal control groups. Animal groups co-administered with CPME and metformin showed more significant effects on the recovery of tissue damages. The synergistic effect of plant extracts with metformin has positive effects on all the parameters and enhanced the efficiency and reduction of blood glucose levels.

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Costus pictus D. Don. Leaves used traditionally in mulching also treats diabetes.

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Methanolic extract of the plant has potent antihyperglycaemic activity compared to aqueous extract.

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Simultaneous oral administration of the C. pictus methanolic extract with metformin positively affected the blood-glucose-lowering activity.

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There was a synergistic effect between standard drugs, Metformin and CPAQ and CPME.

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C. pictus and metformin have a great influence on the recovery of damaged tissues of the experimental animals.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and quality control/quality assurance

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees is a medicinal herb of the Asian countries used in many traditional medicinal systems for the treatment of diarrhea, flu, leprosy, leptospirosis, malaria, rabies, upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, syphilis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review aims to provide the comprehensive, accurate and authentic information on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of various extracts/fractions as well as phytocostituents of A. paniculata. In addition, this review also aims to provide advance and sensitive analytical methods along with chemical markers used in the standardization of herbal products for quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All relevant publications were considered within the years 1983-2020. The publications were searched from Google Scholar, PubChem, Chemspider, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases and ResearchGate using a combination of various relevant keywords. Besides, relevant published books and chapters were also considered those providing an overview of extant secondary literature related to traditional knowledge, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of the plant.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this review, 344 compounds, including, terpenoid lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes and volatile compounds were summarized out of which more than half of the compounds have no reported pharmacological activities yet. Terpenoid lactones and flavonoids are the major bioactive classes of compounds of A. paniculata which are responsible for pharmacological activities such as anticancer and antioxidant activities, respectively. Biosynthetic pathways and active sites for target proteins of both terpenoid lactones and flavonoids were considered. Analgesic, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, antiinflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, antiviral, antiretroviral, antivenom, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activities have been also reported. Andrographolide is a major characteristic active principle and responsible for most of the pharmacological activities. Therefore, andrographolide has been selected as a marker for the standardization of raw and marketed herbal products by TLC, HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, HPLC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS methods for QC/QA.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusive evidence showed that the pharmacological activities reported in crude extracts and chemical markers are supporting and provides confidence in the traditional use of A. paniculata as a herbal medicine. The andrographolide could be used as a chemical marker for the QC/QA of raw and A. paniculata derived herbal products. Lactone ring in terpenoid lactone is an active site for targeted proteins. More efforts should be focused on the identification of the chemical markers from A. paniculata to provide a practical basis for QC/QA. Several aspects such as the mechanism of therapeutic potential, molecular docking technology and multi-target network pharmacology are very important for drug discovery and needed more investigation and should be considered. This compilation may be helpful in further study and QC/QA.

Exploring the inhibitory potentials of Momordica charantia bioactive compounds against Keap1-Kelch protein using computational approaches

The search for Keap1 inhibitors as potential Nrf2 activator is a way of increasing the antioxidant status of the human cellular environ. In this research, we used in silico methods to investigate Keap1-kelch inhibitory potential of Momordica charantia's bioactive compounds in order to predict their Nrf2 activating potential. ADMET profiling, physicochemical properties, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and Molecular Mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (g_MMPBSA) free energy calculation studies were executed to drive home our aim. Out of all the bioactive compounds of Momordica charantia, catechin (CAT) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) were selected based on their ADMET profile, physicochemical properties, and molecular docking analysis. Molecular docking studies of CAT and CGA to Keap1 kelch domain showed that they have - 9.2 kJ/mol and - 9.1 kJ/mol binding energies respectively with CAT having four hydrogen bond interactions with Keap1 while CGA had three. Analysis after the 30 ns molecular dynamics simulation revealed that CAT and CGA were both stable, although with minimal conformational alterations at the kelch pocket of Keap1. Finally, MMPBSA calculation of the Gibbs free energy of each amino acid interaction with CAT and CGA revealed that CAT had a higher total binding energy than CGA. Therefore, the Keap1 inhibitory capacities and the molecular dynamic characters of CAT and CGA at the Kelch domain of Keap1 suggest a putative Nrf2 signaling activating prowess.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00100-2.

Clinical trials with plants in diabetes mellitus therapy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The chronic metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus is a fast-growing global problem with huge social, health, and economic consequences, having one of the highest morbidities and mortality rates. Prolonged use of many available medications can produce undesirable side effects. Thus, plants appear as an important source of bioactive resources for the discovery of new treatments for diabetes.

AREAS COVERED

In this sense, this systematic review focused on clinical trials involving plants of National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) (or compounds) with antidiabetic properties. We analyzed indexed studies in PubMed following the reporting guidelines of PRISMA.

EXPERT OPINION

Of the 51 clinical trials found, Curcuma longa, Glycine max, Zingiber officinale, Punica granatum, Aloe vera, Momordica charantia are the species with the greatest amount of clinical trials and the attenuation of insulin resistance, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels are some of the main mechanisms by which these plants exert hypoglycemic effects. Thus, we speculate that the Clinical Pharmacology should explore the field of plant-based compounds that will keep concentrating the attention of researchers, and therefore, we gathered studies in advanced stages that highlight the role of plants in the diabetes therapy.

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.

The safety and efficacy of Momordica charantia L. in animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic hyperglycemic condition due to progressively impaired glucose regulation. Momordica charantia L. could potentially improve hyperglycemia because its fruit extracts can alleviate insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, and increase serum insulin level. We evaluated the effect of M. charantia L. in comparison with a vehicle on glycemic control in animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched without language restriction through April 2019. About 66 studies involving 1861 animals that examined the effect of M. charantia L. on type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Fruits and seed extracts reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c in comparison to vehicle control: (42 studies, 815 animals; SMD, -6.86 [95% CI; -7.95, -5.77], 3 studies, 59 animals; SMD; -7.76 [95% CI; -12.50, -3.01]) respectively. Also, the extracts have hepato-renal protective effects at varying doses and duration of administration. Despite the observed significant glycemic control effect, poor methodological quality calls for future researches to focus on standardizing extract based on chemical markers and adopt measures to improve the quality of preclinical studies such as sample size calculation, randomization, and blinding.

The Role of Adaptogens in Prophylaxis and Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections

The aim of our review is to demonstrate the potential of herbal preparations, specifically adaptogens for prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, as well as convalescence, specifically through supporting a challenged immune system, increasing resistance to viral infection, inhibiting severe inflammatory progression, and driving effective recovery. The evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies with Andrographis paniculata, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Glycyrrhiza spp., Panax spp., Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, their combination products and melatonin suggests that adaptogens can be useful in prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections at all stages of progression of inflammation as well as in aiding recovery of the organism by (i) modulating innate and adaptive immunity, (ii) anti-inflammatory activity, (iii) detoxification and repair of oxidative stress-induced damage in compromised cells, (iv) direct antiviral effects of inhibiting viral docking or replication, and (v) improving quality of life during convalescence.

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes

Terpenes, also known as terpenoids are the largest and most diverse group of naturally occurring compounds. Based on the number of isoprene units they have, they are classified as mono, di, tri, tetra, and sesquiterpenes. They are mostly found in plants and form the major constituent of essential oils from plants. Among the natural products that provide medical benefits for an organism, terpenes play a major and variety of roles. The common plant sources of terpenes are tea, thyme, cannabis, Spanish sage, and citrus fruits (e.g., lemon, orange, mandarin). Terpenes have a wide range of medicinal uses among which antiplasmodial activity is notable as its mechanism of action is similar to the popular antimalarial drug in use—chloroquine. Monoterpenes specifically are widely studied for their antiviral property. With growing incidents of cancer and diabetes in modern world, terpenes also have the potential to serve as anticancer and antidiabetic reagents. Along with these properties, terpenes also allow for flexibility in route of administration and suppression of side effects. Certain terpenes were widely used in natural folk medicine. One such terpene is curcumin which holds anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, antiplasmodial, astringent, digestive, diuretic, and many other properties. Curcumin has also become a recent trend in healthy foods and open doors for several medical researches. This chapter summarizes the various terpenes, their sources, medicinal properties, mechanism of action, and the recent studies that are underway for designing terpenes as a lead molecule in the modern medicine.

Diterpenoid Lactones with Anti-Inflammatory Effects from the Aerial Parts of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata (AP) has been widely used in China for centuries to treat various diseases, and especially to treat inflammation. Diterpenoid lactones are the main anti-inflammatory components of AP. However, systematic chemical composition and biological activities, as well as key pharmacophores, of these diterpenoid lactones from AP have not yet been clearly understood. In this study, 17 diterpenoid lactones, including 2 new compounds, were identified by spectroscopic methods, and most of them attenuated the generation of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW 274.7 cells examined by ELISA. Pharmacophores of diterpenoid lactones responsible for the anti-inflammatory activities were revealed based on the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models. Moreover, new compounds (AP-1 and AP-4) exerted anti-inflammatory activity in LPS microinjection-induced zebrafish, which might be correlated with the inhibition of the translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus. Our study provides guidelines for future structure modification and rational drug design of diterpenoid lactones with anti-inflammatory properties in medical chemistry.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Use of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata (Burma f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) is a common weed distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. All parts of A. paniculata are extremely bitter in taste. This plant is well known in Siddha, Ayurvedic and traditional (tribal) systems of medicine in India. A. paniculata is used for the treatment of infectious diseases, which account for the major proportion of health problems, and which are most often used in the traditional system of medicine. The major active components of the plant are andrographiloids, which have been extensively studied in a variety of models including human clinical trials for their therapeutic effects. Moreover, A. paniculata is known to have very low toxicity in animals and humans. The plant also exhibits antifertility effects. Most of the traditional uses of the species have some scientific basis. This review is an attempt to summarize the available information on A. paniculata for further investigation.

The genome of the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata provides insight into the biosynthesis of the bioactive diterpenoid neoandrographolide

Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous dicot plant widely used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties across its distribution in China, India and other Southeast Asian countries. A. paniculata was used as a crucial therapeutic treatment during the influenza epidemic of 1919 in India, and is still used for the treatment of infectious disease in China. A. paniculata produces large quantities of the anti-inflammatory diterpenoid lactones andrographolide and neoandrographolide, and their analogs, which are touted to be the next generation of natural anti-inflammatory medicines for lung diseases, hepatitis, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune disorders and inflammatory skin diseases. Here, we report a chromosome-scale A. paniculata genome sequence of 269 Mb that was assembled by Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads and high-confidence (Hi-C) data. Gene annotation predicted 25 428 protein-coding genes. In order to decipher the genetic underpinning of diterpenoid biosynthesis, transcriptome data from seedlings elicited with methyl jasmonate were also obtained, which enabled the identification of genes encoding diterpenoid synthases, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases and UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases potentially involved in diterpenoid lactone biosynthesis. We further carried out functional characterization of pairs of class-I and -II diterpene synthases, revealing the ability to produce diversified labdane-related diterpene scaffolds. In addition, a glycosyltransferase able to catalyze O-linked glucosylation of andrograpanin, yielding the major active product neoandrographolide, was also identified. Thus, our results demonstrate the utility of the combined genomic and transcriptomic data set generated here for the investigation of the production of the bioactive diterpenoid lactone constituents of the important medicinal herb A. paniculata.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and insulin prevents cognitive decline in type 1 diabetic rat by impacting Bcl-2 and Bax in the prefrontal cortex

It is frequently accepted that grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are efficient antioxidants and beneficial in improving cognitive functions. However, diabetes (T1DM)-associated declines in learning and memory and the possibilities of GSPs in overcoming this loss needs to be examined. The present study was designed to examine the correlation, if one exists, between cognitive behavior and neuronal survival in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats as well as to further clarify whether the correlation exists. Also this study aimed to determine whether neurological structural changes in the PFC and pancreatic β-cells can be restored by grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE). At the end of 8 weeks, cognitive tests that rats given supplementation of GSPE and insulin had greater improvement in their spatial learning and memory skills and improved neuronal survival in the PFC and pancreatic β-cells compared to rats supplemented with either insulin or GSPE alone. Expression of Bax in the PFC was increased in the diabetic rats while Bcl-2 expression was decreased, and GSPE and insulin treatment reversed the expression of apoptotic proteins. Our findings on GSPE, a natural product, as a form of adjuvant therapy together with insulin treatment is suggestive of the existence of synergism between the two in attenuating diabetic complications in the pancreas and PFC.

Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities

Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. Phytochemicals including proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid and steroids have been found in this plant. Various biological activities of M. charantia have been reported, such as antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, both in vitro and in vivo studies have also demonstrated that M. charantia may also exert toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. This review addresses the chemical constituents of M. charantia and discusses their pharmacological activities as well as their adverse effects, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry and biological activities of M. charantia.

A review of five traditionally used anti-diabetic plants of Bangladesh and their pharmacological activities

Plants are used traditionally throughout the globe to treat various diseases. Traditionally used medicinal plants are an essential part of the health sector in Bangladesh due to its abundance of a vast source of ethno-medicine. Rural people from developing country like Bangladesh are greatly dependent on traditional source of medicine. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing from recent years; therefore various researches are going on to discover better medicine to treat this disease. This study has focused on five plants which are Andrographis paniculata, Ageratum conyzoides, Swertia chirata, Terminalia arjuna, and Azadirachta indica to find out their traditional formulation as anti-diabetic medicine and their pharmacological activity has also been explored through literature search. The available information about traditional anti-diabetic uses of these plants and their pharmacological activities were collected from various electronic sources like Pubmed, SciFinder, Elsevier, Springer, Scopus, Scirus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science apart from these locally available books and peer reviewed journal were also used to collect information. This study will help to strengthen the relation between traditional medicine, pharmacology and drug development. A clue may be found from the information provided this review to discover new and better anti-diabetic drugs.

Histopathological and biochemical assessments of Costus afer stem on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

In continuation of our study of the biological activity of the aqueous extract of Costus afer stem used in tradomedicare in Nigeria, this work has investigated the biochemical, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and protective effects of aqueous extract of C. afer stem on alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic albino Wistar rats.

METHODS

Thirty male albino Wistar rats (150-200 g) were weight-matched into six groups of five rats each. Groups 1 and 2 were the normal (non-induced) and toxic (alloxan-induced) controls, respectively. Groups 3-6 were induced and treated with 1, 2 and 3 g/kg of the aqueous extract of C. afer stem and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), respectively. Food and fluid intake, body weight, absolute and relative weight of organs (liver, pancreas, and kidneys) and biochemical parameters were measured.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin triglyceride, creatinine, urea and electrolyte when compared with toxic control group. The liver marker enzymes were restored in all the treated groups. The aqueous stem extract possessed hypoglycaemic effect and reversed the histopathological damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that aqueous stem extract of C. afer possesses both hypoglycaemic and organ protective properties.

Interactions between antidiabetic drugs and herbs: an overview of mechanisms of action and clinical implications

Diabetes is a complex condition with a variety of causes and pathophysiologies. The current single target approach has not provided ideal clinical outcomes for the treatment of the disease and its complications. Herbal medicine has been used for the management of various diseases such as diabetes over centuries. Many diabetic patients are known to use herbal medicines with antidiabetic properties in addition to their mainstream treatments, which may present both a benefit as well as potential risk to effective management of their disease. In this review we evaluate the clinical and experimental literature on herb-drug interactions in the treatment of diabetes. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between drugs and herbs are discussed, and some commonly used herbs which can interact with antidiabetic drugs summarised. Herb-drug interactions can be a double-edged sword presenting both risks (adverse drug events) and benefits (through enhancement). There is a general lack of data on herb-drug interactions. As such, more rigorous scientific research is urgently needed to guide clinical practice as well as to safeguard the wellbeing of diabetes patients.

Effect of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles by Sargassum swartzii in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Sargassum swartzii and its anti-diabetic effect were studied using male wistar Albino rats. Formation of AuNPs were confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, High-Resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin, hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in diabetic treated rats with AuNPs were significantly decreased compared to the control group. The results of the blood glucose level and serum insulin levels indicated that AuNPs could significantly improve the insulin resistance and glucose level in diabetic rats. AuNPs also shows reduction in anti-inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in diabetic rats. The data showed that AuNPs synthesized using S. swartzii exerted antidiabetic effect, accordingly improve pancreas, liver and kidney damage caused by alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Medicinal plants used in the traditional management of diabetes and its sequelae in Central America: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Globally 387 million people currently have diabetes and it is projected that this condition will be the 7th leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. As of 2012, its total prevalence in Central America (8.5%) was greater than the prevalence in most Latin American countries and the population of this region widely use herbal medicine. The aim of this study is to review the medicinal plants used to treat diabetes and its sequelae in seven Central American countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a literature review and extracted from primary sources the plant use reports in traditional remedies that matched one of the following disease categories: diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, urinary problems, skin diseases and infections, cardiovascular disease, sexual dysfunctions, visual loss, and nerve damage. Use reports were entered in a database and data were analysed in terms of the highest number of use reports for diabetes management and for the different sequelae. We also examined the scientific evidence that might support the local uses of the most reported species.

RESULTS

Out of 535 identified species used to manage diabetes and its sequelae, 104 species are used to manage diabetes and we found in vitro and in vivo preclinical experimental evidence of hypoglycaemic effect for 16 of the 20 species reported by at least two sources. However, only seven of these species are reported in more than 3 studies: Momordica charantia L., Neurolaena lobata (L.) R. Br. ex Cass., Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth, Persea americana Mill., Psidium guajava L., Anacardium occidentale L. and Hamelia patens Jacq. Several of the species that are used to manage diabetes in Central America are also used to treat conditions that may arise as its consequence such as kidney disease, urinary problems and skin conditions.

CONCLUSION

This review provides an overview of the medicinal plants used to manage diabetes and its sequelae in Central America and of the current scientific knowledge that might explain their traditional use. In Central America a large number of medicinal plants are used to treat this condition and its sequelae, although relatively few species are widely used across the region. For the species used to manage diabetes, there is variation in the availability and quality of pharmacological, chemical and clinical studies to explain traditional use.

Andrographolide derivative AL-1 improves insulin resistance through down-regulation of NF-κB signalling pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Andrographolide is the most active constituent of the medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata. Previously, we synthesized a novel andrographolide derivative AL-1, conjugating andrographolide with lipoic acid. Although the antioxidative and/or anti-inflammatory activity of AL-1 contributes to its cytoprotective effects, whether AL-1 can improve insulin resistance and the mechanisms responsible for its action have not been elucidated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We investigated the anti-hyperlipidaemic and anti-hyperglycaemic effects of AL-1 in a high-fat diet/streptozocin-induced animal diabetic model. In addition, we investigated the effect of AL-1 on the NF-κB signalling pathway in rat islet derived insulinoma cells (RIN-m cells) with a focus on the link between reactive oxygen species-associated inflammation and insulin resistance.

KEY RESULTS

AL-1, at doses of 40 and 80 mg · kg(-1), had a significant hypoglycaemic effect; it significantly reduced the level of cholesterol and increased HDL. AL-1 also reduced the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and enhanced insulin sensitivity. In addition, AL-1 improved the morphology of pancreatic islets and their function. Furthermore, AL-1 suppressed high glucose-induced phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in RIN-m cells.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

AL-1 has a hypoglycaemic effect and improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats. It protected islet from high glucose-induced oxidative damage by down-regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway. Further investigations of AL-1 as a promising new agent for treatment and/or prevention of diabetes are warranted.

Interactions between herbs and antidiabetics: an overview of the mechanisms, evidence, importance, and management

Complementary and alternative therapies are quickly gaining importance because they are perceived to be free of side effects due to their natural origin. However, herbal remedies are complex mixtures of bioactive entities, which may interact with prescription drugs through pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic mechanisms and sometimes result in life-threatening consequences. In particular, diabetes patients are often treated with multiple medications due to different comorbidities, and such patients use antidiabetic medications for their entire lives; thus, it is important to make the public aware of herb interactions with antidiabetic drugs. In this paper, we summarize the reports available on the interaction of herbal remedies with oral hypoglycemic agents and describe mechanisms, preclinical or clinical evidence, importance, and management strategies.

The effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees extract and diterpenoids on the CYP450 isoforms' activities, a review of possible herb-drug interaction risks

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees is a popular medicinal plant and its components are used in various traditional product preparations. However, its herb-drug interactions risks remain unclear. This review specifically discusses the various published studies carried out to evaluate the effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees plant extracts and diterpenoids on the CYP450 metabolic enzyme and if the plant components pose a possible herb-drug interaction risk. Unfortunately, the current data are insufficient to indicate if the extracts or diterpenoids can be labeled as in vitro CYP1A2, CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 inhibitors. A complete CYP inhibition assay utilizing human liver microsomes and the derivation of relevant parameters to predict herb-drug interaction risks may be necessary for these isoforms. However, based on the current studies, none of the extracts and diterpenoids exhibited CYP450 induction activity in human hepatocytes or human-derived cell lines. It is crucial that a well-defined experimental design is needed to make a meaningful herb-drug interaction prediction.

Antinociceptive and antiallodynic effects of Momordica charantia L. in tibial and sural nerve transection-induced neuropathic pain in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Momordica charantia L. (MC) in tibial and sural nerve transection (TST)-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TST was performed by sectioning tibial and sural nerve portions (2 mm) of the sciatic nerve, and leaving the common peroneal nerve intact. Acetone drop, pin-prick, hot plate, paint-brush, and walking track tests were performed to assess cold allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, and dynamic mechanical allodynia and tibial functional index, respectively. The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the sciatic nerve as an index of inflammation and oxidative stress. MC (all doses, orally, once daily) was administered to the rats for 24 consecutive days.

RESULTS

TST led to significant development of cold allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, dynamic mechanical allodynia, and functional deficit in walking along with rise in the levels of TBARS and TNF-alpha. Administration of MC (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) significantly attenuated TST-induced behavioural and biochemical changes. Furthermore, pretreatment of BADGE (120 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) abolished the protective effect of MC in TST-induced neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, it is speculated that PPAR-gamma agonistic activity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative potential is critical for antinociceptive effect of MC in neuropathic pain.

Neonatally induced mild diabetes: influence on development, behavior and reproductive function of female Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Neonatal STZ treatment induces a state of mild hyperglycemia in adult rats that disrupts metabolism and maternal/fetal interactions. The aim of this study was investigate the effect of neonatal STZ treatment on the physical development, behavior, and reproductive function of female Wistar rats from infancy to adulthood.

METHODS

At birth, litters were assigned either to a Control (subcutaneous (s.c.) citrate buffer, n = 10) or STZ group, (streptozotocin (STZ) - 100 mg/kg-sc, n = 6). Blood glucose levels were measured on postnatal days (PND) 35, 84 and 120. In Experiment 1 body weight, length and the appearance of developmental milestones such as eye and vaginal opening were monitored. To assess the relative contribution of the initial and long term effects of STZ treatment this group was subdivided based on blood glucose levels recorded on PND 120: STZ hyperglycemic (between 120 and 300 mg/dl) and STZ normoglycemic (under 120 mg/dl). Behavioral activity was assessed in an open field on PND 21 and 75. In Experiment 2 estrous cyclicity, sexual behavior and circulating gonadotropin, ovarian steroid, and insulin levels were compared between control and STZ-hyperglycemic rats. In all measures the litter was the experimental unit. Parametric data were analyzed using one-way or, where appropriate, two-way ANOVA and significant effects were investigated using Tukey's post hoc test. Fisher's exact test was employed when data did not satisfy the assumption of normality e.g. presence of urine and fecal boli on the open field between groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all data.

RESULTS

As expected neonatal STZ treatment caused hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia in adulthood. STZ-treated pups also showed a temporary reduction in growth rate that probably reflected the early loss of circulating insulin. Hyperglycemic rats also exhibited a reduction in locomotor and exploratory behavior in the open field. Mild hyperglycemia did not impair gonadotropin levels or estrous cylicity but ovarian steroid concentrations were altered.

CONCLUSIONS

In female Wistar rats, neonatal STZ treatment impairs growth in infancy and results in mild hyperglycemia/hypoinsulinemia in adulthood that is associated with changes in the response to a novel environment and altered ovarian steroid hormone levels.

Liquid and solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems for improving the oral bioavailability of andrographolide from a crude extract of Andrographis paniculata

The purpose of this study was to develop self-microemulsifying formulations of an Andrographis paniculata extract in liquid and pellet forms for an improved oral delivery of andrographolide. The optimized liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was composed of A. paniculata extract (11.1%), Capryol 90 (40%), Cremophor RH 40 (40%) and Labrasol (8.9%). This liquid SMEDDS was further adsorbed onto colloidal silicon dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose, and converted to SMEDDS pellets by the extrusion/spheronization technique. The microemulsion droplet sizes of the liquid and pellet formulations after dilution with water were in the range of 23.4 and 30.3 nm. The in vitro release of andrographolide from the liquid SMEDDS and SMEDDS pellets was 97.64% (SD 1.97%) and 97.74% (SD 3.36%) within 15 min, respectively while the release from the initial extract was only 10%. The oral absorption of andrographolide was determined in rabbits. The C(max) value of andrographolide from the A. paniculata extract liquid SMEDDS and SMEDDS pellet formulations (equivalent to 17.5mg/kg of andrographolide) was 6-fold and 5-fold greater than the value from the initial extract in aqueous suspension (equivalent to 35 mg/kg of andrographolide), respectively. In addition, the AUC(0-12h) was increased 15-fold by the liquid SMEDDS and 13-fold by the SMEDDS pellets compared to the extract in aqueous suspension, respectively. The results clearly indicated that the liquid and solid SMEDDS could be effectively used to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability that would also enable a reduction in the dose of the poorly water soluble A. paniculata extract.

Traditional medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes in rural and urban areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh--an ethnobotanical survey

BACKGROUND

The usage of medicinal plants is traditionally rooted in Bangladesh and still an essential part of public healthcare. Recently, a dramatically increasing prevalence brought diabetes mellitus and its therapy to the focus of public health interests in Bangladesh. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to identify the traditional medicinal plants being used to treat diabetes in Bangladesh and to critically assess their anti-diabetic potentials with focus on evidence-based criteria.

METHODS

In an ethnobotanical survey in defined rural and urban areas 63 randomly chosen individuals (health professionals, diabetic patients), identified to use traditional medicinal plants to treat diabetes, were interviewed in a structured manner about their administration or use of plants for treating diabetes.

RESULTS

In total 37 medicinal plants belonging to 25 families were reported as being used for the treatment of diabetes in Bangladesh. The most frequently mentioned plants were Coccinia indica, Azadirachta indica, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia chebula, Ficus racemosa, Momordica charantia, Swietenia mahagoni.

CONCLUSION

Traditional medicinal plants are commonly used in Bangladesh to treat diabetes. The available data regarding the anti-diabetic activity of the detected plants is not sufficient to adequately evaluate or recommend their use. Clinical intervention studies are required to provide evidence for a safe and effective use of the identified plants in the treatment of diabetes.

Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F) Nees, generally known as “king of bitters,” is an herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae. In China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, this plant has been widely used for treating sore throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections. Andrographolide, a major bioactive chemical constituent of the plant, has shown anticancer potential in various investigations. Andrographolide and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models asthma, stroke, and arthritis. In recent years, pharmaceutical chemists have synthesized numerous andrographolide derivatives, which exhibit essential pharmacological activities such as those that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-HIV, antifeedant, and antiviral. However, what is noteworthy about this paper is summarizing the effects of andrographolide against cardiovascular disease, platelet activation, infertility, and NF-κB activation. Therefore, this paper is intended to provide evidence reported in relevant literature on qualitative research to assist scientists in isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds.

Effect of superfine grinding on antidiabetic activity of bitter melon powder

The antidiabetic activities of bitter melon powders produced with lyophilization/superfine grinding and hot air drying/normal grinding were investigated in vivo for selecting a suitable bitter melon processing procedure. After a five-week treatment, bitter melon lyophilized superfine grinding powder (BLSP) had a higher antidiabetic activity with reducing fasting blood glucose levels from 21.40 to 12.54 mmol/L, the serum insulin levels from 40.93 to 30.74 mIU/L, and restoring activities of SOD compared with those in the bitter melon hot air drying powder (BAP) treated group. Furthermore, BLSP protected pancreatic tissues including islet beta cells and reduced the loss of islet cells. Combined with the difference of compositions in BLSP and BAP, it could be concluded that superfine grinding and lyophilization processes were beneficial for presenting the antidiabetic activity, which will provide a reference for direct utilization of bitter melon as a suitable functional food to relieve symptoms of diabetes.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of selected Philippine plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Antidesma bunius Spreng. (Phyllantaceae), Averrhoa bilimbi L. (Oxalidaceae), Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. (Oxalidaceae), Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob. (Rhizophoraceae), Kyllinga monocephala Rottb. (Cyperaceae), and Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (Rhizophoraceae) are used as remedies to control diabetes. In the present study, these plants were screened for their potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 80% aqueous ethanolic extracts were screened for their α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity using yeast alpha glucosidase enzyme.

RESULTS

Except for A. bilimbi with IC(50) at 519.86±3.07, all manifested a significant enzyme inhibitory activity. R. mucronata manifested the highest activity with IC(50) at 0.08±1.82 μg mL(-1), followed by C. tagal with IC(50) at 0.85±1.46 μg mL(-1) and B. sensitivum with IC(50) at 2.24±1.58 μg mL(-1).

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of the six Philippine plants; thus, partly defining the mechanism on why these medicinal plants possess antidiabetic properties.

Antihyperglycemic effects of fermented and nonfermented mung bean extracts on alloxan-induced-diabetic mice

Mung bean was reported as a potential antidiabetic agent while fermented food has been proposed as one of the major contributors that can reduce the risk of diabetes in Asian populations. In this study, we have compared the normoglycemic effect, glucose-induced hyperglycemic effect, and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic effect of fermented and nonfermented mung bean extracts. Our results showed that fermented mung bean extracts did not induce hypoglycemic effect on normal mice but significantly reduced the blood sugar levels of glucose- and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also lowered while insulin secretion and antioxidant level as measured by malonaldehyde (MDA) assays were significantly improved in the plasma of the fermented mung bean-treated group in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mouse. These results indicated that fermentation using Mardi Rhizopus sp. strain 5351 inoculums could enhance the antihyperglycemic and the antioxidant effects of mung bean in alloxan-treated mice. The improvement in the antihyperglycemic effect may also be contributed by the increased content of GABA and the free amino acid that are present in the fermented mung bean extracts.

The beneficial effects of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) on wound healing of rabbit skin

Momordica charantia (MC; bitter gourd) is a traditional herbal commonly used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, contraceptive and antibacterial properties. In the current study, the authors aim to observe the topical effect of MC cream on the wound-healing process in rabbits. Moreover, they compare the healing potential with conventional creams used therapeutically. Towards this aim, 28 New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups and excision wounds (7 cm²) were made on their backs. Open wound dressing was carried out daily for 28 days among the experimental groups with the application of dekspanthenol (Bepanthen®; BP group, n = 7), nitrofurazon (Furacin®; FR group, n = 7) and olive oil extract of MC (MC group, n = 7). No application was made to the control group. At the end of day 28, areas of the skin with initial wound area were en bloc dissected and prepared for histopathological and stereological analysis. Inflammatory cells were abundant in the control group and cream application led to a decrease in the number of these cells, especially in the MC group. The highest number of fibroblasts was detected in the MC group. Furthermore, the MC group displayed the highest fractions of epidermis to papillary dermis, fibroblasts to reticular dermis and collagen fibres to reticular dermis. The MC group also presented a high density of blood vessels, moderate density of collagen fibres and mature fibroblasts. The BP group showed better epithelialisation compared with the FR group, but the latter provided more effective reorganisation of the dermis. Different cream supplements caused healthy and fast wound healing according to untreated controls and the results show that administration of the MC extract improves and accelerates the process of wound healing in rabbits in comparison with the BP and FR extracts.

Nain-e Havandi Andrographis paniculata present yesterday, absent today: a plenary review on underutilized herb of Iran's pharmaceutical plants

Nain-e Havandi (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) (AP) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family Acanthacea. Only a few species of Andrographis genus out of 28 are medicinally concerned of which AP is the most important. Knowledge about the arrival of AP to Iran is extremely lacking but most probably it has been imported from India. However, evidence implies the familiarity of Iran's folkloric medicine with this plant, but it has been disappeared from contemporary medicine for unknown reasons. Presence of active ingredients from diterpenoids group such as andrographolide, neoandrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide has given incredible unique medicinal properties to the plant. Traditionally, Nain-e Havandi has been used in the role of a non-farm plant as a remedy for skin problems, flu, respiratory disease, and snakebite in East and Southeast Asia for centuries. Recently, it has been utilized as a treatment for HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, cancer and kidney disorders. Intensive cultivation of the herb started only in the past decade in countries such as China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, West Indies, Mauritius and to some extent, in Malaysia. Availability of different ecological zones in Iran complies with reestablishment of AP in tropical and temperate regions of the country. This is killing two birds with one stone, supporting the conservational and economic aspects.

Identification of genes involved in the regulation of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide-induced toxicity in T-47D mammary cells

14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide is one of the principle compounds of the medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculata Nees. This study explored the mechanisms of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide-induced toxicity and non-apoptotic cell death in T-47D breast carcinoma cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide exerted its cytotoxic effects by regulating genes that inhibit the cell cycle or promote cell cycle arrest. This compound regulated genes that are known to reduce/inhibit cell proliferation, induce growth arrest and suppress cell growth. The growth suppression activities of this compound were demonstrated by a downregulation of several genes normally found to be over-expressed in cancers. Microscopic analysis revealed positive monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining at 8h, indicating possible autophagosomes. TEM analysis revealed that the treated cells were highly vacuolated, thereby suggesting that 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide may cause autophagic morphology in these cells. This morphology may be correlated with the concurrent expression of genes known to affect lysosomal activity, ion transport, protein degradation and vesicle transport. Interestingly, some apoptotic-like bodies were found, and these bodies contained multiple large vacuoles, suggesting that this compound is capable of eliciting a combination of apoptotic and autophagic-like morphological characteristics.

Antihyperglycaemic effects of ethanol extracts of Carica papaya and Pandanus amaryfollius leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus is a global disease that is increasing in an alarming rate. The present study was undertaken to study the antidiabetic effect of the ethanol extracts of Carica papaya and Pandanus amaryfollius on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The results of the present study indicated that there was no significant difference in the body weight of the treated groups when compared to diabetic control. Whereas, there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the blood glucose level of the plant-treated groups compared to the diabetic control. Histologically the pancreas of the treated groups indicated significant regeneration of the β-cells when compared to the diabetic control. The liver tissues of the treated group indicated a reduction in fatty changes and pyknotic nucleus. The kidney tissues of the treated groups indicated significant recovery in the cuboidal tissue. The results from the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin and tannin in C. papaya and P. amaryfollius. The antidiabetic effect of C. papaya and P. amaryfollius observed in the present study may be due to the presence of these phytochemicals.

Antioxidant, total phenolic content and cytotoxicity evaluation of selected Malaysian plants

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of different traditional Malaysian plants (Polygonum minus, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Momordica charantia and Strobilanthes crispus) were evaluated for their antioxidant properties, total phenolic content and cytotoxic activity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The results showed that ethanol extracts contain high antioxidant activities compared to aqueous extracts. The findings exhibited a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and the total phenol contents. In addition, all the plant extracts showed non-toxic effects against a normal human lung fibroblast cell line (Hs888Lu). Although traditionally aqueous extracts are used, we determined that ethanol extracts usually achieved better activity in the assays.

Diterpene Lactones with Labdane, Halimane and Clerodane Frameworks

The labdane, halimane and clerodane type diterpenoids are compounds that have been isolated in plants of several families. These molecules and their derivatives with a lactone group on the side chain or on the decaline system, have a great interest because of their biological properties as insect antifeedant, antiviral, cytotoxic and trypanocidal. The scope of this review is lactones diterpenoids with labdane, halimane and clerodane frameworks.

Andrographis paniculata ameliorates carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-dependent hepatic damage and toxicity: diminution of oxidative stress

Andrographis paniculata (hempedu bumi) is a plant that possesses many medicinal values in treating several diseases and for health care maintenance. However, its hepatoprotective activity and mechanism of action have not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of A. paniculata and its mechanism of action in rats. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) challenge of rats at a dose of 1.2 ml/kg body weight-induced oxidative stress in the liver. This was evidenced by augmentation in lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and depletion in the level of reduced glutathione (P < 0.05). Parrallel to these changes, CCl(4) challenge too, enhanced hepatic damage as evidenced by sharp increase in serum transaminases (e.g. alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the impairment of liver function corresponded to histolopathological changes. However, most of these changes were reversed in a dose-dependent fashion by pre-treatment of animals with A. paniculata (P < 0.05). The ability of A. paniculata to scavenge the 2,2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical was determined through its EC(50) value. The EC(50) value of A. paniculata was 583.60 ± 4.25 µg/ml. In addition, A. paniculata was found to contain 65.37 ± 1.20 mg/g total phenolics expressed as gallic acid equivalent. From these studies, it is concluded that A. paniculata could be used as a hepatoprotective agent and possesses the potential to treat or prevent degenerative diseases where oxidative stress is implicated.