Galega officinalis extract regulate the diabetes mellitus related violations of proliferation, functions and apoptosis of leukocytes

Metformin-induced mitophagy suppresses auditory hair cell apoptosis via AMPK pathway

Hearing loss is a pervasive issue affecting numerous individuals, and its etiology and categorization are multifaceted. Among these, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) emerges as the most prevalent variant among these. The primary causative factor underlying SNHL resides in the depletion of auditory hair cells within the cochlea, yet the pursuit of efficacious therapeutic interventions remains an ongoing challenge. Previous investigations have illuminated the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in precipitating cellular apoptosis, and mitophagy has emerged as a promising mechanism to ameliorate such dysfunction. Additionally, it has been noted that metformin possesses the specific ability to induce mitophagy. Herein, our objective is to explore the protective effects of metformin-induced mitophagy against apoptosis in auditory hair cells (HEI-OC1 cells) and explore its potential mechanisms. Our results revealed that metformin effectively triggered mitophagy in HEI-OC1 cells. Moreover, metformin treatment showed the ability to prevent tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) induced mitochondrial dysfunction and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Mechanistically, we discovered that metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in HEI-OC1 cells stimulated by TBHP, thereby triggering mitophagy. Overall, our results suggest that metformin may represent a promising and innovative therapeutic strategy for mitigating the onset of hearing loss.

Effects of yacon on carbohydrates and lipid metabolism, oxidative-nitrative stress markers changes in rats with experimental metabolic syndrome

Background and aim

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Hendl.) H. Robinson, commonly known as yacon, is a medicinal species recognized for its therapeutic properties. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of yacon root tubers have been well-documented across various models of metabolic syndrome. However, research on the effects of biologically active compounds derived from yacon leaves remains limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of yacon leaves under the fructose-induced experimental metabolic syndrome.

Experimental procedure

In the study were used male Wistar white rats, in which metabolic syndrome was induced by consuming a 10 % fructose solution. Animals were given an aqueous extract of yacon leaves at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight for seven and fourteen days following the establishment of metabolic syndrome. Hypoglycemic (glucose and glycosylate hemoglobin concentrations) and hypolipidemic (plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins levels) effects and antioxidant activity (activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, NO-synthase, the content of nitrite anion (NO₂‾) and nitrate anion (NO₃‾), content of carbonyl groups and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) of extract were then evaluated.

Results

The 14 days use of aqueous extract of yacon for the treatment of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome leads to a decrease of animals' body weight (59.94 %), glucose concentration (10.33 %), glycosylated hemoglobin content (61.58 %), blood plasma triglycerides (50.35 %), cholesterol (24.46 %), low-density lipoproteins (21.56 %), as well as to increase in high-density lipoproteins concentration (29.29 %), paraoxonase activity (56.03 %). In animals with experimental MetS yacon cause oxidative-nitrative stress indicators normalization: increase in SOD (47.85 %) and GPO activity (16.55 %); decrease in TBARS content (23.77 %) and proteins oxidative modification products of neutral character (52.56 %); decrease in NOS activity (12.30 %), which was accompanied by a decrease in nitrate content (10.44 %).

Conclusions

The aqueous extract of yacon demonstrates significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in a fructose-induced model of experimental metabolic syndrome, contributing to the normalization of both prooxidant and antioxidant states in rat erythrocytes.

Optimizing antidiabetic properties of Galega officinalis extract: Investigating the effects of foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid

Diabetes poses a significant global health burden, demanding safe and effective therapeutic interventions. Medicinal plants offer promising avenues for natural diabetic management. Galega officinalis (goat's rue) has long been recognized for its hypoglycemic potential, but optimizing its phytochemical content and antidiabetic activity remains a key challenge. This study aimed to address this aspect by investigating the impact of foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid on the physiological and phytochemical properties of G. officinalis, and subsequently evaluating its antidiabetic efficacy compared to that of the established drug metformin. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Laboratory mice were divided into treatment groups receiving G. officinalis extract from plants sprayed with four salicylic acid concentrations (0.5-3 mM/L) and four chitosan concentrations (0-0.8 g/L). Blood glucose levels and various physiological parameters were assessed. Chitosan at 0.4 g/L and salicylic acid at 2 mM significantly enhanced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant activity of G. officinalis. Notably, the extract from plants treated with 3 mM salicylic acid exhibited the highest total alkaloid content, a potential contributor to antidiabetic activity. In a separate study, diabetic mice treated with this optimized G. officinalis extract (50 mg/kg) exhibited significantly greater blood glucose reductions compared to those treated with metformin (500 mg). This study demonstrates the potential of chitosan and salicylic acid in optimizing the beneficial properties of G. officinalis. The extract derived from plants treated with 3 mM salicylic acid displayed superior blood glucose-lowering efficacy compared to metformin, suggesting its promising role as a potential natural antidiabetic therapy. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for this enhanced activity and translate these findings into clinical applications.

Immunomodulatory and antibacterial effect of red wine concentrate rich in a natural complex of polyphenols under diabetes mellitus

Changes in immunocompetent cells influence the course of diabetes mellitus and contribute to its complications. Thus, correction of diabetes-induced immune system disorders is vital for normalizing the state of the organism. Red wine polyphenols due to their biological activities could be considered a potential remedy for correcting diabetes. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential and the influence of red wine polyphenols on immune system in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We studied immunological parameters, i.e. quantity of white blood cells in peripheral blood and peritoneal macrophages, the bactericidal activity of phagocytes of blood, the activity of myeloperoxidase, and the level of cationic proteins in these cells after the administration of the polyphenol-rich red wine concentrate (PC concentrate) of known composition, obtained from Ukrainian wine, for 14th day to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the PC concentrate was determined with the Broth Microdilution method. The PC concentrate normalized the quantity and functional activity of peripheral blood neutrophils and peritoneal macrophages, and decreased the quantity of lymphocytes under diabetes, as well as possessed the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Our results indicate the significant biological potential of the PC concentrate and its therapeutic relevance to correct diabetes-induced disorders.

The Management of Diabetes Mellitus Using Medicinal Plants and Vitamins

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

DEVELOPMENT OF MICROCAPSULES BASED ON COMBINED ANTIDIABETIC SUBSTANCE: PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The comparative assessment results of the hypoglycemic activity of a combined preparation containing microcapsules with a phytocomposition consisting of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extracts, a dry extract of Galega officinalis L., Mentha piperita L., and gliclazide, are discussed in the article. Methods for obtaining microcapsules with an original PEG-6000 shell are described.

The aim of the study was to develop an optimal technology for obtaining microcapsules with a PEG-6000 shell containing a combined antidiabetic substance, and conduct its detailed pharmacological study on the model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, to conduct a detailed comparative pharmacological study of a microencapsulated antidiabetic composition with a shell based on PEG-6000, including gliclazide and a sum of phytoextracts on the model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods. As the main objects of the study, microcapsules with a PEG-6000 shell were obtained using methyl miristate as the base liquid. The capsules contained the amount of plant extracts in their composition: a dry extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a dry extract of Galega officinalis L., a dry extract of Mentha piperita L., and gliclazide. The study of a hypoglycemic activity was carried out after a single administration of drugs to the animals with alloxan-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. The cumulative effect assessment of the drugs was carried out within 14 days with a test for the resistance to oral glucose on days 7 and 14.

Results. Microcapsules with the original shell were obtained by dispersion in a liquid-liquid system with the adjustment of some technological stages. The effect of the drugs under study on the glycemic profile in the rats with an experimental model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was investigated. A comparative evaluation of the pharmacological effect was carried out with a separate and combined use of microencapsulated preparations.

Conclusion. The rationality of combining phytocomponents and a synthetic antidiabetic agent in microcapsules has been proven. The obtained results testify to the rationality of plant extracts combination and a synthetic hypoglycemic agent – gliclazide in microcapsules.

Targeting Brain Tumors with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Experimental Model of the Orthotopic Glioblastoma in Rats

Despite multimodal approaches for the treatment of multiforme glioblastoma (GBM) advances in outcome have been very modest indicating the necessity of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising platform for cell-based cancer therapies because of their tumor-tropism, low immunogenicity, easy accessibility, isolation procedure, and culturing. In the present study, we assessed the tumor-tropism and biodistribution of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-labeled MSCs in the orthotopic model of C6 glioblastoma in Wistar rats. As shown in in vitro studies employing confocal microscopy, high-content quantitative image cytometer, and xCelligence system MSCs exhibit a high migratory capacity towards C6 glioblastoma cells. Intravenous administration of SPION-labeled MSCs in vivo resulted in intratumoral accumulation of the tagged cells in the tumor tissues that in turn significantly enhanced the contrast of the tumor when high-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Subsequent biodistribution studies employing highly sensitive nonlinear magnetic response measurements (NLR-M₂) supported by histological analysis confirm the retention of MSCs in the glioblastoma. In conclusion, MSCs due to their tumor-tropism could be employed as a drug-delivery platform for future theranostic approaches.

Medical Species Used in Russia for the Management of Diabetes and Related Disorders

Background: Polyherbal mixtures called "medical species" are part of traditional and officinal medicine in Russia. This review aimed to analyze medical species used in Russia for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders. The information relevant to medical species, diabetes, and obesity was collected from local libraries, the online service E-library.ru, and Google Scholar. The prediction of the antidiabetic activity for the principal compounds identified in plants was performed using the free web resource PASS Online. Results: We collected and analyzed information about the compositions, specificities of use, and posology of 227 medical species. The medical species represent mixtures of 2-15 plants, while the most frequently mentioned in the literature are species comprising 3-6 plants. The top 10 plants among the 158 mentioned in the literature include Vaccinium myrtillus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Taraxacum campylodes G.E. Haglund., Urtica dioica L., Rosa spp., Hypericum spp., Galega officinalis L., Mentha × piperita L., Arctium spp, and Fragaria vesca L. The leading binary combination found in medical species comprises the leaves of V. myrtillus and pericarp of P. vulgaris; leaves of V. myrtillus and leaves of U. dioica; and leaves of V. myrtillus and aerial parts of G. officinalis. In triple combinations, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the roots of T. campylodes are often used. These combinations can be regarded as basic mixtures. Other plants are added to improve the efficacy, treat associated disorders, improve gastrointestinal function, prevent allergic reactions, etc. Meanwhile, an increase in plants in the mixture necessitates advanced techniques for quality control. A feature of medical species in Russia is the addition of fresh juices, birch sap, seaweeds, and adaptogenic plants. Modern studies of the mechanisms of action and predicted activities of the principal compounds from medicinal plants support the rationality of polyherbal mixtures. Nevertheless, the mechanisms are not well studied and reported due to the limited number of compounds. Further investigations with calculations of synergistic or additive indices are important for strengthening the scientific fundamentals for the wider use of medical species in the therapy of diabetes. Two medical species, "Arfazetin" (7 medicinal plants) and "Myrphasinum" (12 medicinal plants), are approved for use in officinal medicine. The efficacy of these species was confirmed in several in vivo experiments and clinical trials. According to modern regulatory rules, additional experiments and clinical trials are required for more detailed investigations of the mechanisms of action and confirmation of efficacy. Conclusion: We believe that the scientifically based utilization of rich plant resources and knowledge of Russian herbal medicine can significantly contribute to the local economy as well as to the sectors seeking natural healing products.

Investigation of the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Methylglyoxal Trapping Effect of Galega officinalis L. Herb In Vitro

Galega officinalis L. has been known for centuries as an herbal medicine used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, but its comprehensive chemical composition and pharmacological activity are still insufficiently known. The current study involved the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidative and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping properties of galega herb. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with both the electrospray ionization mass spectrometer and diode-array detector (UHPLC-ESI-MS and UHPLC-DAD) were used to investigate the composition and evaluate the anti-MGO capability of extracts and their components. Hot water and aqueous methanol extracts, as well as individual compounds representing phytochemical groups, were also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Quercetin and metformin were used as a positive control. We confirmed the presence of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, guanidines, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in galega extracts. The polyphenolic fraction was dominated by mono-, di-, and triglycosylated flavonols, as well as monocaffeoylhexaric acids. The in vitro tests indicated which G. officinalis components exhibit beneficial antioxidative and MGO trapping effects. For galega extracts, flavonols, and HCAs, a potent antiradical activity was observed. The ability to trap MGO was noted for guanidines and flavonoids, whereas HCA esters and quinazoline alkaloids were ineffective. The formation of mono-MGO adducts of galegine, hydroxygalegine, and rutin in the examined water infusion was observed.

Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Bird Cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals

Wild cherry is a plant observed in the form of trees or shrubs. This species comprises about twenty kinds of plants and the most popular are two, Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L., whose properties and content of phytochemical compounds are subject to studies. Wild cherry contains many active compounds, including tocopherols, vitamins, polyphenols and terpenes, which can have beneficial effects on health. On the other hand, wild cherry contains cyanogenic glycosides. Nevertheless, current research results indicate pro-health properties associated with both P. serotina and P. padus. The aim of this study was to collect and present the current state of knowledge about wild cherry and to review available in vitro and in vivo studies concerning its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antidiabetic activity. Moreover, the current work presents and characterizes phytochemical content in the leaves, bark and fruits of P. padus and P. serotina and compiles data that indicate their health-promoting and functional properties and possibilities of using them to improve health. We find that the anatomical parts of P. padus and P. serotina can be a valuable raw material used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a source of bioactive compounds with multi-directional action.

A Novel Method for Extraction of Galegine by Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) Technique Reinforced with Graphene Oxide and Its Evaluation Using Polarography

Galega officinalis products have been used for the control of diabetes (type 2) across the world. Experimental and clinical evaluations of galegine substance produced by a medicinal plant (Galega officinalis) provided the pharmacological and chemical basis for metformin discovery which was confirmed for diabetes therapy. In this paper, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized for galegine, using galegine as a template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a reaction initiator, and acetonitrile as a solvent. The assisted functional groups, morphology, topographic image of surface, and crystalline structure of synthesized MIP were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, and XRD diffraction pattern techniques, respectively. Also, the performance of the mentioned electrode was quantified and qualified by the differential pulse voltammetry technique (DPV). The galegine amount was determined with the polarographic technique. In this research, the galegine extraction conditions were optimized and graphene nanoparticles were used to increase the adsorption. In addition, different parameters affecting extraction were investigated such as MIP adsorbent amount, pH of solution, effect of the surfactant, and ionic compound to achieve high recovery percent. The recovery percent, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and relative standard deviation (RSD %) were 4.101 μg·mL^-1, 12.427 μg·mL^-1, and 1.199% (n = 3), respectively. The results show that the prepared MIP can be used as an effective and inexpensive adsorbent for preconcentration and galegine extraction from a natural sample. It is noteworthy that this developed method was used successfully to determine galegine extracted from Galega officinalis L.