Efficacy of Citrus maxima fruit segment supplemented paranthas in STZ induced diabetic rats

The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Citrus maxima (Pomelo) fruit segments fortified paranthas compared to pomelo juice and naringin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The animals were divided into nine groups, Groups 1 to 3: negative control; Group 4: diabetic control; Groups 5 through 8: treatments with pomelo juice, naringin, plain paranthas, and pomelo supplemented paranthas; and Group 9 was positive control metformin. The groups were monitored for weight, oral glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, bioavailability, biochemical parameters, and histopathological studies. Based on the result the group treated with paranthas fortified with pomelo fruit segment (Group 8) showed 19% of overall weight gain, approximately 50% reduction in plasma glucose level and improved serum protein (5.70 g/dl) and serum insulin (8.54 ng/ml) level as compared against diabetic control. The treatments had effectively lowered the level of liver enzyme and lipids (except HDL) in the serum along with the improved renal function. The group treated with pomelo juice and pomelo supplemented paranthas exhibited marked tolerance to the glucose and insulin similar to the positive control. Therefore, the antidiabetic activity was found to be more pronounced in the order of pomelo juice > fortified paranthas > naringin. Since pomelo juice is bitter and astringent in nature, the fruit can be better utilized in the form of fortified paranthas, which exerts antidiabetic effect similar to the positive control metformin. Hence, paranthas supplemented with pomelo fruit segments (bioactives-rich) aids in the reducing the risk of diabetes and can be recommended to gain nutritional benefits for normal and diabetic populations.

Protective effects of Ficus carica leaves on glucose and lipids levels, carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and β-cells in type 2 diabetic rats

CONTEXT

The decoctions of Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) leaves are used in the folklore treatment of diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of F. carica on glucose and lipids levels, carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and β-cells protective effects in type 2 diabetes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in 15 days high-fat diet (HFD)-fed Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg). The ethyl acetate extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) of F. carica leaves was administered for 28 days. Oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests (ITT) were evaluated on 15th and 25th days, respectively.

RESULTS

The ethyl acetate extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) of n F. carica leaves showed significant effect (p < 0.005) in the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), body weight and hepatic glycogen. In OGTT, F. carica (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.005) detained the increase in blood glucose levels at 60 and 120 min and in ITT, F. carica enhanced the glucose utilization significantly (p < 0.005) over 30 and 60 min compared to diabetic control. Further, the altered activities of key carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and hexokinase in the liver tissue of diabetic rats were significantly (p < 0.005) reverted to near normal levels upon treatment with F. carica. Immumohistochemical studies of islets substantiated the cytoprotective effect on pancreatic β-cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

F. carica leaves exerted significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes with promising hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in type 2 diabetic rats.

Anthocyanin rich extract of Brassica oleracea L. alleviates experimentally induced myocardial infarction

Cardioprotective potential of anthocyanin rich red cabbage extract (ARCE) was assessed in H₂O₂ treated rat neonatal cardiomyoblasts (H9c2 cells) and isoproterenol (ISO) induced rodent model of myocardial infarction. H₂O₂ treated H9c2 cells recorded cytotoxicity (48–50%) and apoptosis (57.3%), the same were reduced in presence of ARCE (7–10% & 12.3% respectively). Rats pretreated with ARCE for 30 days followed by ISO treatment recorded favourable heart: body weight ratio as compared to ISO treated group. Also, the mRNA levels of enzymatic antioxidants (sod and catalase) and apoptotic genes (bax and bcl-2) in ARCE+ISO treated group were similar to the control group suggesting that ARCE pretreatment prevents ISO induced depletion of enzymatic antioxidants and apoptosis. Histoarchitecture of ventricular tissue of ISO treated group was marked by infracted areas (10%) and derangement of myocardium whereas, ARCE+ISO treated group (4.5%) recorded results comparable to control (0%). ARCE+ISO treated group accounted for upregulation of caveolin-3 and SERCA2a expression as compared to the ISO treated group implying towards ARCE mediated reduction in membrane damage and calcium imbalance. Molecular docking scores and LigPlot analysis of cyanidin-3-glucoside (-8.7 Kcal/mol) and delphinidin-3-glucoside (-8.5 Kcal/mol) showed stable hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with β₁ adrenergic receptor. Overall this study elucidates the mechanism of ARCE mediated prevention of experimentally induced myocardial damage.

The genus Sida L. - A traditional medicine: Its ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological data for commercial exploitation in herbal drugs industry

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sida L. (Malvaceae) has been used for centuries in traditional medicines in different countries for the prevention and treatment of different diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal and urinary infections, malarial and other fevers, childbirth and miscarriage problems, skin ailments, cardiac and neural problems, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, weight loss aid, rheumatic and other inflammations, tuberculosis, etc.

AIMS OF THIS REVIEW

To assess the scientific evidence for therapeutic potential of Sida L. and to identify the gaps of future research needs.

METHODS

The available information on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Sida species was collected via a library and electronic searches in SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar for the period, 1933-2015.

RESULTS

A variety of ethnomedicinal uses of Sida species have been found in India, China, Afrian and American countries. Phytochemical investigation of this genus has resulted in identification of about 142 chemical constituents, among which alkaloids, flavonoids and ecdysteroids are the predominant groups. The crude extracts and isolates have exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects involving antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, abortifacient, neuroprotective, cardiovascular and cardioprotective, antimalarial, antitubercular, antidiabetic and antiobesity, antioxidant and nephroprotective activities among others. Ethnopharmacological preparations containing Sida species as an ingredient in India, African and American countries possess good efficacy in health disorders. From the toxicity perspective, only three Sida species have been assessed and found safe for oral use in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological results supported some of the uses of Sida species in the traditional medicine. Alkaloids, flavonoids, other phenolics and ecdysteroids were perhaps responsible for the activities of extracts of the plants of this genus. No clinical study was reported. The detailed study on mechanism of action of isolates and extracts and their clinical study are needed for their use in modern medicine. More attention should be paid to Sida acuta, Sida cordifolia, Sida spinosa, Sida rhombifolia and Sida veronicaefolia in the domain of diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal and urinary infections, skin ailments, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, malaria, childbirth and miscarriage problems, cardiac and neural problems, weight loss aid, and rheumatic and other inflammations, etc. Furthermore, detailed study on quality and safety assurance data on available ethnopharmacological preparations is needed for their commercial exploitation in local and global markets.

Effect of Biophytum sensitivum on streptozotocin and nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of aqueous solution of Biophytum sensitivum leaf extract (BSEt) on normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats by the administration of STZ-nicotinamide (40, 110 mg/kg b.w., respectively) intraperitoneally. BSEt (200 mg/kg) was administered to diabetic rats for 28 days. The effect of extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, total haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin, liver glycogen and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabetic rats.

RESULTS

BSEt significantly reduced the blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels and significantly increased the total haemoglobin, plasma insulin and liver glycogen levels in diabetic rats. It also increased the hexokinase activity and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase activities in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that BSEt possesses a promising effect on STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes.

Herbal medicines for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: current scenario and future prospects

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a multifactorial disease and has close correlations with other metabolic disorders. This makes its treatment difficult using a single pharmacological drug. Use of plant extract/decoction or polyherbal formulation to treat various liver diseases is very well mentioned in various traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Japanese or traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo medicine). Medicinal herbs are known for their multifaceted implications and thus can form an effective treatment schedule against NASH. Till date, several plant extracts, polyherbal formulations, and phytochemicals have been evaluated for their possible therapeutic potential in preventing onset and progression of NASH in experimental models, but clinical studies using the same are sparse. Herbal extracts with antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of NASH. This review article is a meticulous compilation of our current knowledge on the role of natural products in alleviating NASH and possible lacunae in research that needs to be addressed.

Management of diabetes in Guinean traditional medicine: an ethnobotanical investigation in the coastal lowlands

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This survey was carried out in the coastal lowlands of Guinea-Conakry in order to make an inventory of plants used by traditional healers, herbalists and diabetic patients for the management of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Frequent ethnomedical and ethnobotanical investigations were conducted from June 2008 to December 2009 in Conakry, Kindia, Forécariah, Dubréka, Boke, Fria and Boffa. It is a cross-sectional survey and data collection is based on the interactive method. During this period a total of 112 people aged from 39 to 76 years old were interviewed.

RESULTS

During this investigation 146 plant species belonging to 55 families were collected. The most cited plants were Anacardium occidentale L. and Ficus spp., while the Fabaceae family was the most represented, followed by the Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae. The most frequently plant parts used by the traditional healers and the herbalists were the stem-bark and decoctions the most common preparation mode.

CONCLUSIONS

It is clear that a variety of plants is used in the management and treatment of diabetes. Due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, there is an urgent need for scientific investigations to rationalise the use of these traditional remedies, which could represent accessible alternative medicines for the Guinean populations.

Sida rhomboidea.Roxb aqueous extract down-regulates in vivo expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules in atherogenic rats and inhibits in vitro macrophage differentiation and foam cell formation

The present study evaluates efficacy of Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) leaves extract in ameliorating experimental atherosclerosis using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Atherogenic (ATH) diet fed rats recorded significant increment in the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), autoantibody against oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), markers of LDL oxidation and decrement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) along with increment in aortic TC and TG. The ex vivo LDL oxidation assay revealed an increased susceptibility of LDL isolated from ATH rats to undergo copper mediated oxidation. These set of changes were minimized by simultaneous co-supplementation of SR extract to ATH diet fed rats. Histopathology of aorta and immunolocalization studies recorded pronounced atheromatous plaque formation, vascular calcification, significant elastin derangements and higher expression of macrophage surface marker (F4/80), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and p-selectin in ATH rats. Whereas, ATH+SR rats depicted minimal evidence of atheromatous plaque formation, calcium deposition, distortion/defragmentation of elastin and accumulation of macrophages along with lowered expression of VCAM-1 and P-selectin compared to ATH rats. Further, monocyte to macrophage differentiation and in vitro foam cell formation were significantly attenuated in presence of SR extract. In conclusion, SR extract has the potency of controlling experimental atherosclerosis and can be used as promising herbal supplement in combating atherosclerosis.

Sida rhomboidea. Roxb leaf extract down-regulates expression of PPARγ2 and leptin genes in high fat diet fed C57BL/6J Mice and retards in vitro 3T3L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation

Sida rhomboidea. Roxb leaf extract (SRLE) is being used by the populace of North-East India to alleviate symptoms of diabetes and obesity. We have previously reported its hypolipidemic and anti-diabetic properties. In this study, we report the effect of SRLE on (i) in vivo modulation of genes controlling high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and (ii) in vitro 3T3L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation and leptin release. Supplementation with SRLE significantly prevented HFD induced increment in bodyweight, plasma lipids and leptin, visceral adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy. Also, SRLE supplementation reduced food intake, down regulated PPARγ2, SREBP1c, FAS and LEP expressions and up-regulated CPT-1 in epididymal adipose tissue compared to obese mice. In vitro adipogenesis of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes was significantly retarded in the presence of SRLE extract. Also decreased triglyceride accumulation, leptin release and glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate dehydrogenase activity along with higher glycerol release without significant alteration of viability of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes, was recorded. Our findings suggest that prevention of HFD induced visceral adiposity is primarily by down regulation of PPARγ2 and leptin gene expression coupled with attenuation of food intake in C57BL/6J mice. SRLE induced prevention of pre-adipocytes differentiation, and leptin release further substantiated these findings and scientifically validates the potential application of SRLE as a therapeutic agent against obesity.