Targeting diabetes with flavonoids from Indonesian medicinal plants: a review on mechanisms and drug discovery

The rich biodiversity of Indonesia provides a wide variety of plants rich in flavonoids, which show promising potential as antidiabetic agents. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds recognized for their broad biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Traditional Indonesian medicinal plants such as Syzygium cumini, Moringa oleifera, and Curcuma longa are currently being studied for their flavonoid content and potential in diabetes treatment. Studies suggest that flavonoids can influence crucial pathways in diabetes management, including enhancing insulin sensitivity, boosting insulin production, and safeguarding pancreatic β cells against damage caused by oxidative stress. For example, quercetin and kaempferol, flavonoids in many Indonesian plants, have demonstrated potential for managing glucose metabolism and lowering high blood sugar levels. Additionally, these substances have been shown to inhibit enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase, which are involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates, thus aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels after meals. The antioxidant qualities of flavonoids play a crucial role in fighting oxidative stress and are a significant contributor to the development of diabetes and related complications. Flavonoids help neutralize free radicals and enhance the body's antioxidant protection, reducing oxidative harm and promoting metabolic wellness. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing the chronic inflammation linked to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Formulation advancements, such as nanocarrier technology, have been explored to boost the effectiveness of flavonoid-based therapies. Due to its vast plant diversity, Indonesia offers a potential reservoir for new antidiabetic drugs, meriting additional research and development with the aim of this review providing new knowledge on the potential of flavonoids that can play a role in the treatment of diabetes.

Phytochemical Contents and Pharmacological Potential of Parkia speciosa Hassk. for Diabetic Vasculopathy: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and is considered a major health problem in the world. It is associated with endothelial dysfunction which causes progressive vascular damage. DM is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications such as peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Medicinal plants may act as an alternative resource or adjunctive treatment option in the treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. Parkia speciosa (Fabaceae) is a plant found abundantly in the Southeast Asian region. Its seeds, with or without pods, and roots have long been used as a traditional medicine in this region to treat hypertension and diabetes. Studies have shown its numerous beneficial pharmacological properties. Extracts of P. speciosa, particularly from its seeds and empty pods, show the presence of polyphenols. They also exhibit potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. Its hypoglycemic properties are reported to be associated with the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and stigmat-4-en-3-one. The current review aimed to provide an overview of the current status of P. speciosa, its pharmacological potential, and its phytochemical content in attenuating diabetic vasculopathy. Glycemic status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia are known to play pivotal roles in the initiation and severity of diabetic cardiovascular diseases; thus, targeting these factors might be beneficial for preventing and/or treating diabetic vasculopathy.

Genus Parkia: Phytochemical, Medicinal Uses, and Pharmacological Properties

The genus Parkia (Fabaceae, Subfamily, Mimosoideae) comprises about 34 species of mostly evergreen trees widely distributed across neotropics, Asia, and Africa. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of the species from the genus Parkia in terms of its relationship between its phytochemistry and medical uses. Comprehensive information on Parkia species was retrieved from electronic databases, which were Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. This review identified nine species from genus Parkia with properties of medicinal use. They are used traditionally to treat several ailments, such as diabetes, diarrhea, wounds, hypertension, cough, chronic piles, conjunctivitis, and measles. The most common species studied are P. biglobosa, P. speciosa, P. javanica, P. bicolor, P. biglandulosa, P. filicoidea, and P. clappertoniana. A considerable number of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids (aglycone and glycosides), and numerous volatile compounds have been identified in this genus, which are responsible for their diverse pharmacological activities. Their extracts, pure compounds and seed lectins have been reported for their anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, and antidiarrheal activities. The information gathered in this review might be of help for future studies in terms of the current knowledge on the link between the phytochemical components and medicinal uses. This could facilitate more discoveries on its potentials particularly in the pharmacological characteristics and potential to be developed into modern medicines.

Hypoglycemic Effect of a Combined Andrographis paniculata and Caesalpinia sappan Extract in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION

Researchers usually use herbal combinations to explore and develop traditional medicine to obtain additional benefits in the treatment of diseases, including diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the combination of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees and Caesalpinia sappan Linn extract (APCSE) on diabetes-induced rats. There has not been sufficient research on this combination; however, single extract studies of these plants have been widely conducted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats (160-200 g) were induced by injecting a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg BW) twice and fed with a high-fat diet containing 25% fat, whereas control animals received only standard feed. Rats were treated with APCSE at doses of 100 mg and 200 mg/kg BW for seven days and compared to the APE and CSE groups treated with the extract at 100 mg, respectively. For the control group, rats were treated with metformin with a dose of 250 mg/kg. The antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects were determined by measuring blood glucose levels and lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL). To assess the impact of the extract on pancreatic and adipose tissue, the number of pancreatic beta cells and adipocytes was evaluated through histopathological and immunohistochemical study. Results and Discussion. In a nonfasting state, the blood glucose change in APCSE 200 mg was 18.65% and was significantly lower from the DM group. However, a single extract of APE and CSE showed lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to the combined extract. Lipid profiles show no significant differences in cholesterol levels between groups; however, all treatment groups, including metformin, showed higher triglyceride levels. The APE-treated group showed significantly lower HDL and LDL, whereas CSE only showed lower LDL. The β-cell number was significantly higher after treatment with single extract CSE. The CSE and the combined extract groups showed hyperplasia adipocytes.

CONCLUSION

The combined extract of APCSE has a moderate antihyperglycemic effect; however, a single extract may have better potential than the combined extract.