Hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic study of Gynura procumbens leaf extracts

Evaluation of lupeol-chitosan nanoparticles infused cellulose acetate membranes for enhanced in-vitro anticancer and antidiabetic activities

This study utilizes the abundance of pharmacologically active compounds found in natural products and concentrates on the promising anticancer agent lupeol (LUP). The limited water solubility and bioavailability of lupeol have limited its therapeutic utility. To test their potential for treating diabetes and cancer, we synthesized lupeol@chitosan (LUP@CS) nanoparticles encapsulated in cellulose acetate (CA) membranes (LUP@CS/CA). Extensive characterization, including Scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mechanical strength analysis, confirmed the membrane's structural integrity and drug release capacity. Notably, in vitro experiments utilizing A431 human skin cancer cells revealed remarkable anticancer activity, positioning the membrane as a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin cancer. Inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes effectively, as evidenced by IC50 values as low as 54.56 mg/mL, the membrane also exhibited significant antidiabetic potential. These results demonstrate the multifarious potential of the membrane, which offers promise for both the treatment of skin cancer and the management of diabetes, and has significant implications for nano biological applications.

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

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

An in vivo and in silico evaluation of the hepatoprotective potential of Gynura procumbens: A promising agent for combating hepatotoxicity

INTRODUCTION

The liver, the most important metabolic organ of the body, performs a wide variety of vital functions. Hepatic cell injury occurs by the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), xenobiotics, and other toxic substances through cytochrome P450-dependent steps resulting from the covalent bond formation with lipoproteins and nucleic acids. Observing the urgent state of hepatotoxic patients worldwide, different medicinal plants and their properties can be explored to combat such free radical damage to the liver. In vivo and in silico studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Gynura procumbens in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gynura procumbens leaves were collected and extracted using 70% ethanol. The required chemicals CCl4, standard drug (silymarin), and blood serum analysis kits were stocked. The in vivo tests were performed in 140 healthy Wister albino rats of either sex under well-controlled parameters divided into 14 groups, strictly maintaining Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IEAC) protocols. For the histopathology study, 10% buffered neutral formalin was used for organ preservation. Later the specimens were studied under a fluorescence microscope. In silico molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were performed, and the results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Gynura procumbens partially negate the deleterious effect of carbon tetrachloride on normal weight gain in rats. The elevated level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, LDH, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation ranges, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in CCl4 treated groups were decreased by both standard drug silymarin and G. procumbens leaf extract. We have found significant & highly significant changes statistically for different doses, here p<0.05 & p<0.01, respectively. On the other hand, G. procumbens and silymarin displayed Statistically significant (p<0.05) and high significant(p<0.01) increased levels of HDL, CAT SOD (here p<0.05 & p<0.01 for different doses) when the treatment groups were compared with the disease control group. Because the therapeutic activity imparted by plants and drugs accelerates the movement of the disturbed pathophysiological state toward the healthy state. In the molecular docking analysis, G. procumbens phytoconstituents performed poorly against transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared to the control drug silymarin. In contrast, 26 phytoconstituents scored better than the control bezafibrate against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). The top scoring compounds for both macromolecules were observed to form stable complexes in the molecular dynamics simulations. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds performed better than other constituents in providing hepatoprotective activity. It can, thus, be inferred that the extract of G. procumbens showed good hepatoprotective properties in rats.

Herbal Extracts Encapsulated Nanoliposomes as Potential Glucose-lowering Agents: An in Vitro and in Vivo Approach Using Three Herbal Extracts

Encapsulation of polyphenol-rich herbal extracts into nanoliposomes is a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic agents against type 2 diabetes mellitus. An attempt was made to encapsulate aqueous, ethanol, and aqueous ethanol (70% v/v) extracts of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng,. and Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt into nanoliposomes and to screen acute bioactivities in vitro and in vivo. A wide spectrum of bioactivity was observed of which aqueous extracts encapsulated nanoliposomes of all three plants showed high bioactivity in terms of in vivo glucose-lowering activity in high-fat diet-fed streptozotocin induced Wistar rats, compared to respective free extracts. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the aforementioned nanoliposomes ranged from 179-494 nm, 0.362-0.483, and (-22) to (-17) mV, respectively. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging reflected that the nanoparticles have desired morphological characteristics and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed successful encapsulation of plant extracts into nanoparticles. However, only the S. auriculata aqueous extract encapsulated nanoliposome, despite the slow release (9% by 30 hours), showed significant (p < 0.05) in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and in vivo glucose-lowering activity compared to free extract, proving worthy for future investigations.

Synergistic effects of trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens in promoting intestinal absorption of chlorogenic acid and reversing alcoholic fatty liver disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Our previous studies found that the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens (EEGS) reduced hepatic steatosis in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their relevant mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the active ingredients from EEGS and their intestinal absorption characteristics as an approach for understanding mechanism of action in alleviating alcoholic liver injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), chemical constituents from the prepared EEGS were isolated by means of solvent extraction, repeated column chromatography, preparative HPLC and other methods, and their structures were identified based on spectroscopic methods. The in vivo intestinal absorption rate of chlorogenic acid (CA), the active component of the EEGS, both in a single form and in the EEGS were monitored by the single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) method in rats. The protective effect of EEGS and its active components on alcoholic liver injuries was evaluated in the alcoholic liver injury model of C57BL/6J male mice induced by Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid feed.

RESULTS

Three noncaffeoyl quinic acid components were isolated and identified from the EEGS, namely, 3-trans-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (0.9%), 3-cis-p-coumaroyl quinic acid (2.7%), and trans-p-coumaric acid (0.6%). In vivo intestinal absorption of CA decreased with the increase of pH value of perfusion solution in the range of 5.5-7.8. The maximum absorption percentage of CA alone was 6.7 ± 2.4%, while the maximum absorption percentage of CA in the EEGS was 16.0 ± 2.2%, which was 2.4 times higher than that of CA alone. The results of animal experiments showed that the degree of fatty liver of mice treated with EEGS was significantly lower than that of the CA, trans-p-coumaric acid, and the combination group of CA and trans-p-coumaric acid alone.

CONCLUSION

The above results indicated that trans-p-coumaric acid isolated from the dried stems of Gynura procumbens assisted CA being absorbed into the body and worked together with CA to improve the function of liver lipid metabolism, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of AFLD and effectively counteract alcohol-induced fatty liver disease.

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. extract attenuates monocyte adherence to endothelial cells through suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (GP) is a herbaceous plant that grows in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The herb is consumed as a remedy for various inflammatory-associated diseases, such as cancer, rheumatism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Scientific studies demonstrate that GP extract possesses cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Cardiovascular disease is mainly caused by atherosclerosis, and inflammation plays a major role in all phases of atherosclerosis. The early inflammatory events in atherogenesis are the activation of endothelial cells and the recruitment of monocytes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of 80% ethanol extract of GP leaves (GPE) on the adherence of monocytes to the activated human endothelial cells and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extract were carried out by using a validated HPLC and UHPLC-MS/MS methods. The MTT test was used to select the range of concentration of extract for this study. The effect of GPE on TNF-α-induced monocyte-endothelial interaction was determined by the in vitro adhesion assay. Expression of cell surface proteins (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by western blot, while expression of a chemokine (MCP-1) was identified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

HPLC and UHPLC-MS/MS analyses indicated that GPE contained chlorogenic acid, nicotiflorin and astragalin as the major compounds. GPE at 20, 40 and 60 μg/mL concentrations showed a significant reduction in monocyte adherence to endothelial cells and expression of ICAM-1 and MCP-1. However, only GPE at concentrations of 40 and 60 μg/mL was able to reduce VCAM-1 expression. Furthermore, GPE significantly inhibited IKKα/β, IκBα, NF-κB phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, GPE may inhibit monocyte adherence to the activated endothelial cells and expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1, which are important proteins for monocyte-endothelial interaction, by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of this study support the traditional use of GPE to counteract inflammation-associated diseases and suggest that GP can be a potential source for bioactive compounds for the development of anti-inflammatory agents to prevent atherosclerosis.

Modulation of acute stress and immune response in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, using longevity spinach, Gynura procumbens extract, as nutraceuticals

We investigated the effects of different concentrations of longevity spinach, Gynura procumbens, on the hematological parameters of acutely stressed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (average weight 461.81 ± 16.60 g and average length 28.71 ± 0.34 cm) and determined the best concentration. The fish were subjected to hormonal stress in this research. We fed the stress control group commercial feed with 0.01% hydrocortisone, a stress hormone (0.01% of fish body weight) without Gynura. All the treatment groups were supplemented with Gynura extracts (0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 1.5 g/kg of feed weight) in combination with hydrocortisone. We evaluated blood glucose, lysozyme activity, phagocytic capacity, hematocrit, spleen somatic index, and hepatosomatic index. During the acute stress period, G. procumbens has been shown to decrease the levels of blood glucose in 1.5 g/kg treatment group (49.60 mg/dl at Day 1; 53.75 mg/dl at Day 3) compared to stress control group (80.00 mg/dl at Day 1; 69.20 mg/dl at Day 3). Higher lysozyme activity observed in 1.5 g/kg Gynura treatment group (11.44 T/min at 540 nm) compared to control (7.85 T/min at 540 nm). The 1.5 g/kg treatment group maintained the homeostatic level of significant physiological parameters including phagocytic capacity, packed cell volume, and hepatosomatic index. These findings are promising for the development of new nutraceuticals for the aquaculture industry.

In Vivo and In Silico Assessment of Diabetes Ameliorating Potentiality and Safety Profile of Gynura procumbens Leaves

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most notable health dilemmas. Analyzing plants for new antidiabetic remedies has become an impressive territory for life science researchers. Gynura procumbens has long been used to treat diabetes. Thus, we strived to ascertain the hypoglycemic potentiality of extract of leaves of G. procumbens by in vivo and in silico approaches.

METHODS

Fresh leaves of G. procumbens were collected and shade-dried to prepare ethanolic extracts to evaluate pharmacological parameters. Diabetes was induced in rats via injecting alloxan through the intraperitoneal route at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Humalyzer 3000 was used to perform a biochemical assay of collected samples from rats. Anti-hyperglycemic activity study along with overdose toxicity test was performed. The pharmacological activity of this plant was also evaluated through a molecular docking study. This in silico study investigated the binding affinity of natural ligands from G. procumbens against glycoside hydrolase enzymes.

RESULTS

We detected a peak plasma concentration of G. procumbens at 3 hours 45 minutes that is roughly similar to the peak plasma concentration of metformin. Again, in OGTT and anti-hyperglycemic tests, it has been ascertained that both plant extract and metformin can exert significant (P < 0.05) and highly significant (P < 0.01) hypoglycemic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Metformin exhibited better therapeutic efficacy than that of plant extract, but it possessed null statistical significance. Also, our safety profile expressed that, similar to metformin, the plant extract can restore the disturbed pathological state in a dose-oriented approach with a wide safety margin. In silico study also validated the potentialities of natural constituents of G. procumbens. Conclusion. This study suggested that G. procumbens can be considered as potential antidiabetic plant. Robust and meticulous investigation regarding plant chemistry and pharmacology in the future may bring about a new dimension that will aid in discovering antidiabetic drugs from this plant in the diabetes management system.

Current Knowledge Regarding Pharmacological Profile and Chemical Constituents of Gynura procumbens

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. is a well-known plant used in the folkloric medicine in tropical Asian countries. The plant is prevalently employed by traditional healers in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, hypertension, inflammation, fever and skin disorders. Several scientific studies reported that, Gynura procumbens possesses considerable therapeutic value for the development of emerging treatment options. The diverse pharmacological effects of this plant are attributed to its vast phytoconstituent content. Different chemical classes including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, proteins and polysaccharides have been isolated from this plant. In this review, we tried to explore the different aspects of Gynura procumbens as an established medicinal plant. The data gathered here give an indication that the plant Gynura procumbens is a good natural source of chemical compounds with different types of pharmacological actions and these chemical compounds can be used as model for the development of de novo therapeutic agents.

Topical Gynura procumbens as a Novel Therapeutic Improves Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice

Nonhealing wounds are major socioeconomic challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Therefore, there is a substantially unmet need to develop new drugs for wound healing. Gynura procumbens, a herb found in Southeast Asia, may be an effective therapeutic for nonhealing diabetic wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of G. procumbens on wound healing in the diabetic milieu. G. procumbens extract was obtained using 95% ethanol and its components were determined by thin layer chromatography. Diabetes was induced in mice using streptozotocin. We found that G. procumbens extract contained stigmasterol, kaempferol and quercetin compounds. Topical application of G. procumbens on the wounded skin of diabetic mice accelerated wound healing and induced the expression of angiogenin, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, G. procumbens promoted in vitro wound healing and enhanced the migration and/or proliferation of human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes and mast cells cultured in diabetic conditions. Finally, G. procumbens promoted vascular formation in the diabetic mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates in vivo wound healing activities of G. procumbens and activation of cells involved in wound healing process in diabetic conditions. The findings that G. procumbens accelerates wound healing and activates cells involved in the wound healing process suggest that G. procumbens might be an effective alternative therapeutic option for nonhealing diabetic wounds.

Feasibility Assessment of an Encapsulated Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens L.) Extract Plant in Indonesia

The rise of globalization in recent years has favored the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles for many people, increasing their likelihood of diseases with silent symptoms. Longevity spinach (Gynura procumbens L.) is a medicinal plant that has strong phenolic compounds which could act as natural antioxidants to reduce the chance of contracting severe silent diseases. This study was focused on the feasibility of an affordable herbal supplement manufacturing plant using longevity spinach with a water solvent. Production simulation was carried out using SuperPro Designer v.9.0, and an estimated annual production of 26,082 bottles was analyzed based on several economic parameters. The production process for herbal supplements from longevity spinach extract consisted of leaf-washing, drying, and grinding, as well as active compound extraction from leaves with water, filtration, evaporation, freeze-drying, and encapsulation. For 30 encapsulated herbal supplements, prices started from USD 22.8/bottle, and the designed production plant was economically feasible (PBP = ±17 months, IRR = 91.65%, and NPV = USD 3,972,653.13). It can be concluded that encapsulated longevity spinach water extract could become an affordable herbal supplement, with feasible manufacturing for further investment activity.

Gynura procumbens Root Extract Ameliorates Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Damage in the Hippocampal CA1 Region by Reducing Neuroinflammation

Gynura procumbens has been used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and skin problems induced by ultraviolet irradiation. Although considerable studies have reported the biological properties of Gynura procumbens root extract (GPE-R), there are no studies on the effects of GPE-R in brain damages, for example following brain ischemia. In the present study, we screened the neuroprotective effects of GPE-R against ischemic damage and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus based on behavioral, morphological, and biological approaches. Gerbils received oral administration of GPE-R (30 and 300 mg/kg) every day for three weeks and 2 h after the last administration, ischemic surgery was done by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 5 min. Administration of 300 mg/kg GPE-R significantly reduced ischemia-induced locomotor hyperactivity 1 day after ischemia. Significantly more NeuN-positive neurons were observed in the hippocampal CA1 regions of 300 mg/kg GPE-R-treated animals compared to those in the vehicle-treated group 4 days after ischemia. Administration of GPE-R significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, -6, and tumor necrosis factor-α 6 h after ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, activated microglia were significantly decreased in the 300 mg/kg GPE-R-treated group four days after ischemia/reperfusion compared to the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that GPE-R may be one of the possible agents to protect neurons from ischemic damage by reducing inflammatory responses.

Exploring the protective effect of Gynura procumbens against type 2 diabetes mellitus by network pharmacology and validation in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice

Flowchart of the experimental procedures.

In vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Taraxacum officinale root extracts

Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg (Asteraceae) root is traditionally used to treat diabetes, dyspepsia, heartburn, anorexia and hepatitis. In this work, petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of T. officinale root were evaluated for their antidiabetic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice at two concentrations (200 and 400 mg/kg) using antidiabetic and subcutaneous glucose tolerance tests. Herein, in vitro glucose uptake assay was performed using HepG2 and 2-NDBG, while LC-MS/MS was employed for the phytochemical study of the main active constituents in the active extract. In the experiments, T. officinale root aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrement in blood glucose level (62.33%, p ≤0.05), while other extracts (p >0.05) showed insignificant activity – in alloxan-induced diabetic mice with no apparent effect on the normoglycemic model. The extracts also showed an insignificant reduction in glucose levels (p >0.05) in the subcutaneous glucose tolerance test. However, a significant glucose uptake enhancement (149.6724%, p ≤0.05) was exhibited by the aqueous extract. Phytochemical study of the aqueous extract showed higher total phenolic than total flavonoid content, in which chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, and luteolin-7-glucoside were identified.

In vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative studies of four different extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus, Gynura procumbens and Ficus deltoidea

Background

Medicinal plants are important source of drugs with pharmacological activities. Therefore, there is always rising demands to discover more therapeutic agents from various species. Orthosiphon stamineus, Gynura procumbens and Ficus deltoidea are high valued medicinal plants of Malaysia contain rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The aims of the present study were to evaluate anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-proliferative effects on A549, HeGP2 and MCF7 cell lines of four different extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus, Gynura procumbens and Ficus deltoidea.

Methodology

The leaves of all selected plants were extracted with methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol separately with simple cold maceration. Antioxidant activity of all crude extracts were quantitatively measured against DPPH and Ferric Reducing Assay. Antimicrobial evaluation was done by Microdilution and MTT assay and antipoliferative activity of all extracts of selected plant were evaluated against A549, HePG2 and MCF7 cell lines.

Results

Results showed that methanol extract exhibited highest percentage free radical scavenging activity of almost all extracts of selected plants. Antimicrobials results showed chloroform and methanol extracts of O. stamineus extract were the two most active extracts against resistant MRSA but not S. aureus. Only methanol extract of G. procumbens showed antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens. Chloroform and methanol extracts of F. deltoidea elicited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus but not MRSA. Antiproliferative activity against three tested cell lines results showed that ethyl acetate extract of O. stamineus showed good effect whereas methanol extract of F. deltoidea and G. procumbens exhibited good antiproliferative activity.

Conclusions

The results of the present investigation demonstrated significant variations in the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects of different solvent extracts. These data could be helpful in isolation of pure potent compounds with good biological activities from the extracts of plants.

Strategy for rapid screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active ingredients in Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and characteristic ion filtration

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. is traditionally used as a raw material for making dumplings or steamed stuffed buns, and its fresh leaves are boiled with water for tea. Herein, we established an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) combined with characteristic ion filtration (CIF) strategy to rapidly screen active ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in G. procumbens. This strategy involved screening the active part of G. procumbens using antioxidation and anti-inflammatory activity assays; discovering the active compounds by speculating on the active site's chemical composition by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS plus CIF; and verifying the active compounds' activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EEAF) of G. procumbens was the major active site. Eighty-one compounds were identified from the EEAF using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS plus CIF. Furthermore, polyphenols such as cynarine, isochlorogenic acids A and isochlorogenic acids C have excellent antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory activities. This study provides a practical strategy for rapid in vitro screening of the antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory activities of traditional vegetables and herbs and identification of active ingredients.

Astragalin augments basal calcium influx and insulin secretion in rat pancreatic islets

Astragalin is a flavonol glycoside with several biological activities, including antidiabetic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of astragalin on glycaemia and insulin secretion, in vivo, and on calcium influx and insulin secretion in isolated rat pancreatic islets, ex vivo. Astragalin (1 and 10 mg / kg) was administered by oral gavage to fasted Wistar rats and serum glucose and plasma insulin were measured. Isolated pancreatic islets were used to measure basal insulin secretion and calcium influx. Astragalin (10 mg/ kg) decreased glycaemia and increased insulin secretion significantly at 15-180 min, respectively, in the glucose tolerance test. In isolated pancreatic cells, astragalin (100 μM) stimulated calcium influx through a mechanism involving ATP-dependent potassium channels, L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA), PKC and PKA. These findings highlight the dietary coadjuvant, astragalin, as a potential insulin secretagogue that may contribute to glucose homeostasis.

Astragalin: A Bioactive Phytochemical with Potential Therapeutic Activities

Natural products, an infinite treasure of bioactive chemical entities, persist as an inexhaustible resource for discovery of drugs. This review article intends to emphasize on one of the naturally occurring flavonoids, astragalin (kaempferol 3-glucoside), which is a bioactive constituent of various traditional medicinal plants such as Cuscuta chinensis. This multifaceted compound is well known for its diversified pharmacological applications such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antiobesity, antiosteoporotic, anticancer, antiulcer, and antidiabetic properties. It carries out the aforementioned activities by the regulation and modulation of various molecular targets such as transcription factors (NF-κB, TNF-α, and TGF-β1), enzymes (iNOS, COX-2, PGE2, MMP-1, MMP-3, MIP-1α, COX-2, PGE-2, HK2, AChe, SOD, DRP-1, DDH, PLCγ1, and GPX), kinases (JNK, MAPK, Akt, ERK, SAPK, IκBα, PI3K, and PKCβ2), cell adhesion proteins (E-cadherin, vimentin PAR-2, and NCam), apoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins (Beclin-1, Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL, cytochrome c, LC3A/B, caspase-3, caspase-9, procaspase-3, procaspase-8, and IgE), and inflammatory cytokines (SOCS-3, SOCS-5, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, MCP-1, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and IFN-γ). Although researchers have reported multiple pharmacological applications of astragalin in various diseased conditions, further experimental investigations are still mandatory to fully understand its mechanism of action. It is contemplated that astragalin could be subjected to structural optimization to ameliorate its chemical accessibility, to optimize its absorption profiles, and to synthesize its more effective analogues which will ultimately lead towards potent drug candidates.

Computational Analysis of Gynura bicolor Bioactive Compounds as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitor

The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV) is a popular route for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Commercially available gliptin-based drugs such as sitagliptin, anagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, and alogliptin were specifically developed as DPPIV inhibitors for diabetic patients. The use of Gynura bicolor in treating diabetes had been reported in various in vitro experiments. However, an understanding of the inhibitory actions of G. bicolor bioactive compounds on DPPIV is still lacking and this may provide crucial information for the development of more potent and natural sources of DPPIV inhibitors. Evaluation of G. bicolor bioactive compounds for potent DPPIV inhibitors was computationally conducted using Lead IT and iGEMDOCK software, and the best free-binding energy scores for G. bicolor bioactive compounds were evaluated in comparison with the commercial DPPIV inhibitors, sitagliptin, anagliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, and alogliptin. Drug-likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis were also performed. Based on molecular docking analysis, four of the identified bioactive compounds in G. bicolor, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and trans-5-p-coumaroylquinic acid, resulted in lower free-binding energy scores when compared with two of the commercially available gliptin inhibitors. The results revealed that bioactive compounds in G. bicolor are potential natural inhibitors of DPPIV.

Phenolic compounds responding to zinc and/or cadmium treatments in Gynura pseudochina (L.) DC. extracts and biomass

Gynura pseudochina (L.) DC. is a Zn/Cd hyperaccumulative plant. In an in vivo system under controlled plant age, this research reveals that phenolic compounds and lignification play beneficial roles in protecting G. pseudochina from exposure to an excess of Zn and/or Cd, and Zn reduces Cd toxicity under the dual treatments. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values correspond to the metal dose-response curves. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) is used to characterize phenolic compounds and their glycosides, which could play roles in antioxidant activities and in the esterification of the cell wall, especially derivatives of p-coumaric and caffeic acid. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) imaging revealed that the accumulation of Zn and Cd in the cell wall involves flavonoid compounds. Low extractable pools of Cd and Zn in the leaf extracts indicate that these elements are tightly bound to the plant biomass structures. The bulk X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicate that Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ dominate with O and S ligands, which could be provided by cell walls, phenolic compounds, and sulphur protein. Consequently, the benefit of these results is to support the growth of G. pseudochina for phytoremediation in a Zn- and/or Cd-contaminated site.

Gynura procumbens extract improves insulin sensitivity and suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate whether Gynura procumbens extract (GPE) can improve insulin sensitivity and suppress hepatic glucose production in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

C57BL/Ksj-db/db mice were divided into 3 groups, a regular diet (control), GPE, and rosiglitazone groups (0.005 g/100 g diet) and fed for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Mice supplemented with GPE showed significantly lower blood levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin than diabetic control mice. Glucose and insulin tolerance test also showed the positive effect of GPE on increasing insulin sensitivity. The homeostatic index of insulin resistance was significantly lower in mice supplemented with GPE than in the diabetic control mice. In the skeletal muscle, the expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase, pAkt substrate of 160 kDa, and PM-glucose transporter type 4 increased in mice supplemented with GPE when compared to that of the diabetic control mice. GPE also decreased the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that GPE might improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Gynura procumbens: An Overview of the Biological Activities

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Family Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant commonly found in tropical Asia countries such as China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Traditionally, it is widely used in many different countries for the treatment of a wide variety of health ailments such as kidney discomfort, rheumatism, diabetes mellitus, constipation, and hypertension. Based on the traditional uses of G. procumbens, it seems to possess high therapeutic potential for treatment of various diseases making it a target for pharmacological studies aiming to validate and provide scientific evidence for the traditional claims of its efficacy. Although there has been considerable progress in the research on G. procumbens, to date there is no review paper gathering the reported biological activities of G. procumbens. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of the biological activities of G. procumbens based on reported in vitro and in vivo studies. In brief, G. procumbens has been reported to exhibit antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antihyperglycemic, fertility enhancement, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, organ protective, and antiinflammatory activity. The commercial applications of G. procumbens have also been summarized in this paper based on existing patents. The data compiled illustrate that G. procumbens is a potential natural source of compounds with various pharmacological actions which can be utilized for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

Gynura procumbens Reverses Acute and Chronic Ethanol-Induced Liver Steatosis through MAPK/SREBP-1c-Dependent and -Independent Pathways

The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of Gynura procumbens on acute and chronic ethanol-induced liver injuries. Ethanol extract from G. procumbens stems (EEGS) attenuated acute ethanol-induced serum alanine aminotransferase levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. Therefore, EEGS was successively extracted by petroleum, ethyl acetate, and n-butyl alcohol. The results showed that the n-butyl alcohol extract was the active fraction of EEGS, and hence it was further fractionated on a polyamide glass column. The 60% ethanol-eluted fraction that contained 13.6% chlorogenic acid was the most active fraction, and its effect was further evaluated using a chronic model. Both the n-butyl alcohol extract and the 60% ethanol-eluted fraction inhibited chronic ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating lipid metabolism-related regulators through MAPK/SREBP-1c-dependent and -independent signaling pathways and ameliorated liver steatosis. Our findings suggest that EEGS and one of its active ingredients, chlorogenic acid, may be developed as potential effective agents for ethanol-induced liver injury.

In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr. fruit

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of methanol extract of Citrus macroptera Montr.fruit in α-amylase inhibitory activity (in vitro) and hypoglycemic activity in normal and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats (in vivo).

METHODS

Fruits of Citrus macroptera without rind was extracted with pure methanol following cold extraction and tested for presence of phytochemical constituents, α-amylase inhibitory activity, and hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats.

RESULTS

Presence of saponin, steroid and terpenoid were identified in the extract. The results showed that fruit extract had moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity [IC50 value=(3.638±0.190) mg/mL] as compared to acarbose. Moreover at 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg doses fruit extract significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) reduced fasting blood glucose level in normal rats as compared to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). In oral glucose tolerance test, 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level (P<0.05) at 2 h but 1 000 mg/kg dose significantly reduced blood glucose level at 2 h and 3 h (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively) whereas glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced glucose level at every hour after administration. Overall time effect is also considered extremely significant with F value=23.83 and P value=0.0001 in oral glucose tolerance test.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the plant may be a potential source for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agent.

Antihyperglycaemic and Toxicological Evaluations of Extract and Fractions of Gynura procumbens Leaves

The acute and sub-chronic antihyperglycaemic activity, safety margin evaluations and chemical composition of ethanol extract (EE) and fractions of Gynura procumbens (GP) were studied. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (SDRs) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines 425 and 407 were used in the antidiabetic and toxicity studies, respectively. Biochemical and haematological data obtained from both acute and sub-chronic procedures suggest that the extract is safe at the limit test dose (2000 mg/kg); thus, the oral lethal dose (LD50) exceeds 2000 mg/kg. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) was determined to be 700 mg/kg/day. In the acute antihyperglycaemic study, the n-butanol fraction (n-BF) was found to consistently lower glucose levels the most effectively, which was also demonstrated in the 14-day study. Not only did the n-BF show the highest dose-dependent glucose-lowering action (51.2% and 62.0% at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, respectively), its effect was the closest to that of metformin (63.6%, p<0.05). The estimated amount of flavonoids in n-BF were 62.90% and 79.68% higher than the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AF), respectively (p<0.05), with a corresponding value of 61.22% and 49.33% for phenolics (p<0.05). GP leaves have a no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and antihyperglycaemic activity corresponding to the high content of phenols and flavonoids. Therefore, GP leaves are a promising source of new antidiabetic natural products.