Antihyperglycemic activity and antioxidant role of Terminalia arjuna leaf in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Antihyperglycemic activity of a novel polyherbal formula (HF344), a mixture of fifteen herb extracts, for the management of type 2 diabetes: Evidence from in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

Antihyperglycemic effects of a novel polyherbal formula (HF344), comprising fifteen Thai herbal extracts, were elucidated for pharmacological mechanisms and potential for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, by employing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches. LC/MS analysis of HF344 extract revealed several phytoconstituents, with piperine identified as the major active compound. HF344 extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RINm5F cells in vitro and inhibited glucose uptake into the everted sacs of the mouse small intestine ex vivo in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control (p < 0.05). It exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibition in vitro, with an IC50 of 96.74 μg/mL. Moreover, HF344 extract upregulated mRNA levels of GLUT1 in L6 skeletal myoblasts, suggesting increased glucose uptake into skeletal muscle. In addition, in vivo antihyperglycemic effects were assessed in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic mice. Acute oral toxicity testing confirmed the HF344 extract's safety, with an LD50 exceeding 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of HF344 extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) in STZ-NA-induced diabetic mice significantly reduced the area under the fasting blood glucose (FBG)-time curve (AUC) in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model and treatment for 28-day reduced the FBG levels as compared with control (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by increased serum insulin levels and improved insulin resistance. HF344 extract also demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) production in vitro, with an IC50 of 7.24 μg/mL. Oral treatment with HF344 extract decreased MDA production in the homogenized muscle ex vivo collected from STZ-NA-induced mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with HF344 extract effectively restored the survival of RINm5F cells from STZ-induced damage. These findings suggest that HF344 is a promising polyherbal formula for managing blood glucose levels, enhancing insulin production, and providing antioxidant benefits in T2DM. Further research is required to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of HF344.

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.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity of Liberin, an anti-diabetic polyherbal formulation in rats

BACKGROUND

The polyherbal formulation (PHF) liberin, is known to exert anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, it is important to study the safety profile of PHF in the current study through acute and chronic toxicity evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of PHF in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PHF was administered once orally (1000 mg/kg body weight), and the rats (male and female) were monitored for toxicity signs for a 14-day period. For a 28-day chronic toxicity study, rats were daily administered with PHF dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Rats were followed up for mortality, weight changes, and other morbidities. Further haematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were assessed.

RESULTS

No death related to treatment or toxicity signs were recorded in the acute single-dose administration group. The results showed that the PHF was tolerated well up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. Even at the high dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic tests did not show any significant difference between the dosed and normal groups. No significant changes were seen in the histopathological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney as well as haematological and biochemical parameters in acute, sub-chronic and satellite groups following the administration of PHF.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that there was no adverse effect of this PHF at the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Further, no adverse delayed effects related to PHF were observed in the satellite group. Therefore, this PHF appears safe for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurvedic medicinal system.

Antioxidant Potential and Improvement Activities of Sterculia setigera Delile on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet and Low Dose of Streptozotocin

Background

S. setigera is widely used in traditional medicine throughout the world. Ethnobotanical surveys have revealed its use to handle diabetes. This present research investigated the antioxidant potential and improvement activities of S. setigera Delile on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.

Methods

Male rats fed high-fat diet for 6 weeks followed by a single-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia. 72 hours after injection of streptozotocin, diabetic rats received treatment for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose was measured. Serum biochemical and hepatic biomarkers were evaluated. A hepatic histological study was performed. Oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in liver.

Results

Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the blood glucose with the reduction index of 53.75 and 62.1%, respectively. There was also good improvement in lipid profile and insulin. The dose of 400 mg/kg better reduced subcutaneous fat mass with a difference in reduction index (1.5 to 5.8%). The extract resulted in a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in catalase activities. The extract showed significant inhibitory potential towards α-amylase 18.78% to 55.91% and α-glucosidase 23.91% to 67.76%.

Conclusion

S. setigera extract could thus reverse insulin resistance and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats induced.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Premna spinosa bark in experimental animal models

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the antidiabetic and hyperlipidemic potential of stem bark extract of Premna spinosa (Lamiaceae), by using streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic and triton-induced hyperlipidemic models in albino rats. The blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined in STZ-NA-induced diabetic and triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats, as per the respective protocols. It was found that there is the dose dependent and significant reduction in foregoing parameters on the administration of extract from Premna spinosa stem bark at the doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight to diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats. From these observed results it may be inferred that the stem bark of Premna spinosa possesses remarkable antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

Investigation on protective effect of Terminalia bellirica (Roxb.) against drugs induced cardiotoxicity in wistar albino rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Various traditional texts like Ayurveda and Materia Medica profoundly mentioned the ethnopharmacological use of Terminalia bellirica fruit for its protective effect on heart and various other vital organs. Hence the present research was focussed to scientifically prove the effect of T. bellirica in support of its traditionally claimed use as cardioprotective agent.

AIM THE STUDY

The aim and objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of T. bellirica (Roxb.) against drugs viz. Doxorubicin (DOX) and Isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity in wistar albino rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cardiotoxicity was induced using DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and ISO (85 mg/kg s.c.) models. Methanolic extract of T. bellirica (METB) was subjected to rats in two different doses (low dose of 250 mg/kg p.o.; and high dose of 500 mg/kg p.o.) for the purpose of investigation of various biochemical markers present in cardiac tissue as well as in blood serum, in order to assess the improvement in drugs induced cardiotoxicity. Also, the histopathological study was carried out in terms of ultrastructural changes occurred in the myocardium during drugs induced cardiomyopathy, to ensure the proposed cardioprotective effect of METB.

RESULT

Biochemical investigation of cardiac tissue using METB showed significant decrease in CK-MB (creatine kinase-muscle/brain) activity and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels and increase in GSH (reduced glutathione) levels. It also increased the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase). In serum, METB increased the levels of oxidative stress markers like ALP (alkaline phosphatase), UA (uric acid), ALT (alanine transferase), and AST (aspartate transaminase) near to their normal values as in control group. The use of METB also decreased the levels of total cholesterol and TGs (triglycerides) in serum and significantly increased HDL (high density lipoprotein) levels. Treatment with METB also proved a considerable restoration in histopathological findings of myocardium.

CONCLUSION

In the present study it was concluded that T. bellirica fruit has profound potential for the treatment of drugs induced cardiotoxicity suggesting the consumption of T. bellirica for cardiac benefits during routine treatment of cardiotoxicity.

Antidiabetic effect of Drymaria cordata leaf against streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic albino rats

Drymaria cordata (Caryophyllaceae), commonly known as Abhijalo in Sikkimese-Tibetan, is a creeping herb grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is used by ethnic groups of Sikkim, North-East India, for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of methanol extract from D. cordata leaf (DCME) in streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. Diabetic Wistar albino rats were treated with DCME at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally for 28 days. Metformin (150 mg/kg b.w.) was used as a reference drug. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) level; serum biochemical parameters; and liver, kidney, and antioxidant parameters were estimated, and pancreatic histopathology was performed after 28 days of treatment. Administration of DCME to STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg orally for 28 days exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) and dose-dependent reduction of FBG, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum lipid, and hepatorenal antioxidative parameters in DCME-treated groups when compared to those of diabetic controls. Histopathological studies of pancreas in DCME-treated rats showed improvement in β-cell density compared to diabetic group. The results demonstrate the significant antidiabetic potential of D. cordata leaf in albino rats plausibly by reducing oxidative stress and serum lipids levels, justifying the folkloric use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes.

Anil Kumar N, Sharopov F, Ramírez-Alarcón K, Ruiz-Ortega A, Abdulmajid Ayatollahi S, Valere Tsouh Fokou P, Kobarfard F, Amiruddin Zakaria Z, Iriti M, Taheri Y, Martorell M, Sureda A, N. Setzer W, Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Santini A, Capasso R, Adrian Ostrander E, -ur-Rahman A, Iqbal Choudhary M, C. Cho W, Sharifi-Rad J. Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Active Components

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.

Phytotherapeutic efficacy of the medicinal plant Terminalia catappa L

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition due to inadequate production of insulin or the cells does not properly respond it. Recently, the significance and effectiveness of herbal drugs associated with diabetes has emerged. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-diabetic effects of Terminalia catappa L. leaves on streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Two different concentrations of ethanolic leaf extract (300 and 500 mg/kg) of T. catappa were used to treat diabetic rats, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in blood samples. The results of herbal treatments were compared with the standard drug, glibenclamide. The ethanol extract (500 mg/kg) had significant anti-diabetic activity by altering blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glycogen, glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucokinase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid and creatinine levels while increasing insulin levels. Thus, the present study suggests that the supplementation of the diabetic patients with T. catappa leaves can lead to recovery from diabetic effects.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV Inhibitory activity of Terminalia arjuna attributes to its cardioprotective effects in experimental diabetes: In silico, in vitro and in vivo analyses

BACKGROUND

The marketed synthetic (Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) DPP-IV Inhibitors are expensive antidiabetic drugs and have been reported to cause unacceptable adverse effects such as pancreatitis, angioedema, thyroid and pancreatic cancers. In this scenario research to develop novel DPP-IV Inhibitors from alternative sources is the need of the hour.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Terminalia arjuna, a medicinal herb with antidiabetic and cardioprotective activities may represent a natural DPP-IV Inhibitor, the DPP-IV Inhibitory activity of which may translate into demonstrable therapeutic benefits in setting of diabetes with cardiovascular co-morbidities.

STUDY DESIGN

The study type used for the present study was an experimental (In vitro, In vivo and In silico) design.

METHOD

The DPP-IV Inhibitory, antidiabetic and cardioprotective effects of Terminalia arjuna was evaluated in the experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes. To determine the active principle of Terminalia arjuna responsible for DPP-IV Inhibitory activity, the crystal structure of DPP-IV was considered as receptor which was docked against Arjunetin, Arjungenin, Arjunic acid, Arjunone, Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin. The binding sites as well as affinity of various active ingredients of Terminalia arjuna for DPP- IV enzyme was elucidated using in silico studies and compared to Vildagliptin.

RESULTS

Terminalia arjuna demonstrated significant DPP-IV Inhibitory, antidiabetic (significant reduction in HbA_1C) and cardioprotective effects (restoration of myocardial CPK-MB) in the experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes. The cardioprotective efficacy correlated to its DPP-IV Inhibitory activity. The active ingredients of Terminalia arjuna (Arjunetin, Arjungenin, Arjunic Acid Arjunone, Ellagic acid and Gallic acid) demonstrated significant inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme. Arjunic acid and Arjunone prefers the active site pocket of DPP-IV enzyme. Compounds like Arjunetin and Vildagliptin prefers to bind near the interface region of the DPP-IV as their biological active forms are homodimer. Sitagliptin binds near the α/β hydrolase domain.

CONCLUSION

The DPP-IV Inhibitory activity of Terminalia arjuna was found to be comparable to Vildagliptin. The DPP-IV Inhibitory activity translated into significant cardioprotective effects in the setting of diabetes. The active ingredient of Terminalia arjuna; Arjunetin, Arjungenin, Ellagic acid and Arjunic acid showed superior DPP-IV Inhibitory activity as compared to synthetic DPP-IV inhibitors (Sitagliptin and Vildagliptin) based on results of docking studies.

Pharmacological effects of Chatuphalatika in hyperuricemia of gout

CONTEXT

Chatuphalatika (CTPT), is a Thai herbal formulation mixture of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (Euphorbiaceae), Terminalia belerica Linn. (Combretaceae), T. chebula and the fruit of T. arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. CTPT is considered to exert anti-inflammatory and antihyperuricemic effects, but there have been no reports to demonstrate these pharmacological effects in a quantitative manner.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antihyperuricemic effects of CTPT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antioxidant activities of CTPT extracts were measured in vitro by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, and anti-inflammatory effect by measuring inflammatory mediator production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages. The mechanism of the hypouricemic effect was investigated using oxonate-induced hyperuricemic ddY mice treated with oral administrations of CTPT at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Antioxidant activities of CTPT measured by ABTS and FRAP assays were 1.35 g TEAC/g extract and 10.3 mmol/100 g extract, respectively. IC₅₀ for the inhibition of DPPH radical was 13.8 µg/mL. CTPT (10 µg/mL) significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and iNOS in RAW 264.7 cells. Lineweaver-Burk analysis of the enzyme kinetics showed that CTPT inhibited xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in a noncompetitive manner with the K_i of 576.9 µg/mL. Oral administration of CTPT (1000 mg/kg) significantly suppressed uric acid production by inhibiting hepatic XOD activity, and decreased plasma uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice by approximately 40% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated for the first time the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antihyperuricemic effects of CTPT in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a possibility of using CTPT for the treatment of hyperuricemia in gout.

Toxicological and hematological effect of Terminalia arjuna bark extract on a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis

Increasing demand for eco-friendly botanical piscicides and pesticides as replacements for harmful synthetic chemicals has led to investigation of new sources of plant materials. Stem bark of Terminalia arjuna, which has been used as a popular folk medicine since ancient time, was examined for its piscicidal activity. This study aims to determine toxicity of ethanol extract of T. arjuna bark on fresh water stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), along with evaluation of changes in hematological parameters of the fishes exposed to a lethal concentration. The percent mortality of fishes varied significantly in response to concentrations of the extract and exposure times (between exposure time F = 36.57, p < 0.001; between concentrations F = 39.93, p < 0.001). The lethal concentrations (LC50) of ethanol extract were found to be 12.7, 8.94, 5.63 and 4.71 mg/l for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. During acute toxicity test, blood samples of treatment fishes showed significant decreases in the red blood cells count, hematocrit content, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and plasma protein level when compared to those of the control group, while there were significant increases in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells count and plasma glucose concentration. These results suggest that T. arjuna bark extract could be considered as a potent piscicide due to its toxic effect on fish, particularly fish hematology.

Antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Gouania longipetala methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

CONTEXT

Gouania longipetala Hemsl. (Rhamnaceae) is used in folkloric medicine for treating diabetes mellitus and its associated symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the antidiabetic antilipidemic and antioxidant activities of the plant methanol leaf extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg). Three test doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) of G. longipetala extract (GLE) were administered orally and the effects were compared with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). The effect of GLE on hyperglycemia and sub-acute study for 21 d were carried out using its effect on fasting blood sugar (FBS) level. Serum biochemistry and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation of the pancreas was also done.

RESULTS

The LD50 of G. longipetala was found to be >4000 mg/kg. The extract significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased the FBS levels of treated rats from 16.2 ± 2.03 to 6.5 ± 1.52 mM/L at 150 mg/kg within 24 h. The extract decreased FBS levels of rats by 62.0, 74.8, and 75.0% on day 21 at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. GLE reduced the level of malondiadehyde from 23.0 ± 1.34 to 10.3 ± 0.43 mg/dL, increased superoxide dismutase activities from 2.97 ± 0.34 to 5.80 ± 0.53 IU/L at 150 mg/kg, and improved the serum lipid profile of treated rats. GLE also caused restoration of the altered histopathological changes of the pancreas.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Gouania longipetala demonstrated significant antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant activities that may be due to its multiple effects involving both pancreatic and extra-pancreatic mechanisms.

Antidiabetic potential of some less commonly used plants in traditional medicinal systems of India and Nigeria

The incidence of diabetes mellitus continue to rise annually all over the world with India and Nigeria having recorded cases of 65.1 and 3.9 million respectively in 2013 and expected to increase by a large amount in 2035. Hyperglycemia is a pre-condition for the development of diabetic complications and is accompanied by an increase in the production of free radicals. The present available treatment option for diabetes like sulfonylurea, metformin and alpha-glucosidase are restricted by their limited actions, secondary failure rates, and side-effects; and unaffordable to the majority of the population. Hence, the need to screen for more medicinal plants with antidiabetic ability due to the fact that plants are; biodegradable, safe and cheap with fewer side-effects. In this review article, we have presented the current status of diabetes in India and Nigeria and the role of some less commonly used medicinal plants from both countries that have antidiabetic potential.

Antihyperglycemic action of rhodiola-aqeous extract in type1-like diabetic rats

Background

Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola) is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that grows in cold regions of the world. It is mainly used in clinics as an adaptogen. Recently, it has been mentioned that Rhodiola increases plasma β-endorphin to lower blood pressure. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic action of Rhodiola in relation to opioids in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats).

Methods

In the present study, the plasma glucose was analyzed with glucose oxidase method, and the determination of plasma β-endorphin was carried out using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The adrenalectomy of STZ-diabetic rats was used to evaluate the role of β-endorphin. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis were performed to investigate mRNA and protein expressions.

Results

Rhodiola-water extract dose-dependently lowered the plasma glucose in STZ-diabetic rats and this action was reversed by blockade of opioid μ-receptors using cyprodime. An increase of plasma β-endorphin by rhodiola-water extract was also observed in same manner. The plasma glucose lowering action of rhodiola-water extract was attenuated in bilateral adrenalectomized rats. In addition, continuous administration of rhodiola-water extract for 3 days in STZ-diabetic rats resulted in an increased expression of glucose transporter subtype 4 (GLUT 4) in skeletal muscle and a marked reduction of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression in liver. These effects were also reversed by blockade of opioid μ-receptors.

Conclusions

Taken together, rhodiola-water extract improves hyperglycemia via an increase of β-endorphin secretion from adrenal gland to activate opioid μ-receptors in STZ-diabetic rats.

Hexane extract of the seeds of Byrsonima crassifolia accelerates wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJETIVE

To study the effect of seeds of Byrsonima crassifolia in diabetic wound healing.

METHODS

Wound healing potential of hexane extract in the form of simple ointment for the treatment of dermal wounds was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on excision wound, incision wound and dead space wound. Various parameters such as epithelization period, scar area, tensile strength, hydroxyproline, total protein, DNA, hexosamine, uronic acid, antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) were used to evaluate the effect of B. crassifolia on wound healing.

RESULTS

Hexane extract in form topical accelerates the wound healing process by decreasing the surface area of the wound with a significant increase in the rate of wound contraction and tensile strength; increase granulation tissue dry weight, hydroxyproline, total protein, DNA and SOD and CAT when compared with diabetic control.

CONCLUSION

B. crassifolia was effective in promoting diabetic wound healing in rats through the processes of tissue regeneration.

Development of stevioside Pluronic-F-68 copolymer based PLA-nanoparticles as an antidiabetic nanomedicine

Stevioside (FDA approved nontoxic natural non-caloric sweetener) has been reported to have very good antidiabetic potential but its use as therapeutic drug is restricted in human due to its deprived intestinal absorption and poor bioavailability. We have nano-bioconjugated this molecule on biodegradable Pluronic-F-68 copolymer based PLA nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method (spherical, size range 110-130 nm) to overcome deprived intestinal absorption and to enhance the bioavailability. The drug loading calculated by the standard calibrated HPLC was 16.32±4% (w/w). The in vitro release study showed the initial burst followed by the sustained release. The half release and complete release were observed on 25±4 h and 200±10 h respectively. This newly formulated nanostevioside showed very high potential to be used as antidiabetic nanomedicine for safe and effective use in vivo.