Alternativas de controle do diabetes / Alternatives for diabetes control / Alternativas para el control de la diabetes

O Diabetes desde a antiguidade tem sido uma das maiores causas de morte entre as populações do globo, e segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde continua assolando nos nossos dias. Apesar das descobertas de tratamentos mais eficazes, a doença vem avançando em progressões assustadoras atualmente, com projeções preocupantes para a saúde pública. Como estratégia de acompanhamento terapêutico, estatístico direcionado a portadores de diabetes, o Governo Federal lançou o programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensos e Diabéticos), que faz o acompanhamento da evolução da doença e das complicações dos pacientes. E neste sentido, também são utilizadas terapêuticas mais acessíveis como as plantas medicinais. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão bibliográfica abordando as opções de terapias de controle do diabetes oferecidas no Sistema Único de Saúde e pesquisar fitoterápicos com potencial hipoglicêmico aprovados pela Anvisa. Através de levantamento bibliográfico, foram identificadas oito espécies vegetais utilizadas pela medicina popular no controle do diabetes, sendo estas: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora e Baccharis Trimera. Essas plantas do programa, embora tenham comprovação de seu efeito hipoglicêmico e redutores dos sintomas diabéticos, pelas suas propriedades antioxidantes e antiinflamatórias, colabora para uma melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes.

Since antiquity, Diabetes has been one of the biggest causes of death amon-g populations around the globe, and according to the World Health Organization, it continues to plague our days. Despite discoveries of more effective treatments, the disease is currently advancing in frightening progressions, with worrying projections for public health. As a therapeutic, statistical follow-up strategy aimed at people with diabetes, the Federal Government launched the HIPERDIA (Hypertensive and Diabetic) program, which monitors the evolution of the disease and the complications of patients. And in this sense, more accessible therapies such as medicinal plants are also used. The objective of this research is to carry out a literature review addressing the options for diabetes control therapies offered in the Unified Health System and to search for herbal medicines with hypoglycemic potential approved by Anvisa. Through a bibliographical survey, eight plant species used by folk medicine to control diabetes were identified, namely: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora and Bacharis Trimera. These plants in the program, although they have evidence of their hypoglycemic effect and reduce diabetic symptoms, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to a better quality of life for patients.

La diabetes ha sido desde la antigüedad una de las principales causas de muerte entre las poblaciones del planeta, y según la Organización Mundial de la Salud sigue haciendo estragos en nuestros días. A pesar de los descubrimientos de tratamientos más eficaces, la enfermedad avanza actualmente con una progresión aterradora, con proyecciones preocupantes para la salud pública. Como estrategia de seguimiento terapéutico, estadísticamente dirigida a las personas con diabetes, el Gobierno Federal puso en marcha el programa HIPERDIA (Hipertensión y Diabetes), que controla la evolución de la enfermedad y las complicaciones de los pacientes. En este sentido, también se utilizan terapias más accesibles, como las plantas medicinales. El objetivo de esta investigación es realizar una revisión bibliográfica que aborde las opciones de terapias para el control de la diabetes ofrecidas en el Sistema Único de Salud y buscar fitoterapias con potencial hipoglucemiante aprobadas por Anvisa. Mediante un estudio bibliográfico, se identificaron ocho especies vegetales utilizadas por la medicina popular en el control de la diabetes, a saber: Bauhinia Forficata, Syzygium Cumini, Annona Muricata, Cynara Scolymus, Momordica Charantia, Eugenia Uniflora y Baccharis Trimera. Estas plantas del programa, aunque han demostrado su efecto hipoglucemiante y reductor de los síntomas diabéticos, por sus propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias, colaboran a una mejor calidad de vida para los pacientes.

Effect of Bauhinia holophylla treatment in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Bauhinia holophylla, commonly known as "cow's hoof", is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the diabetes treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was at evaluating the aqueous extract effect of Bauhinia holophylla leaves treatment on the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg) in female Wistar rats. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Bauhinia holophylla leaves was given to non-diabetic and diabetic rats at a dose of 400 mg/kg during 21 days. On day 17 of treatment, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test was performed to determine the area under the curve. At the end of the treatment, the animals were anesthetized and blood was collected for serum biochemical parameters analysis. After treatment with Bauhinia holophylla extract, non-diabetic and diabetic rats presented no glycemic changes. On the other hand, the plant treatment decreased body weight and increased ALT and AST activities. In conclusion, the treatment with aqueous extract of B. holophylla leaves given to diabetic rats presented no hypoglycemic effect in nondiabetic animals and no antidiabetic effect in diabetic animals with the doses studied. In addition, the diabetic animals treated with the B. holophylla extract showed inconvenient effects and its indiscriminate consumption requires particular carefulness.

7-epi-griffonilide, a new lactone from Bauhinia pentandra: complete 1H and 13C chemical shift assignments

ABSTRACT A new lactone, 7-epi-griffonilide (1), and six known compounds, 2, 3a - 3c, 4a and 4b, were isolated from the leaves of Bauhinia pentandra (Fabaceae). The structures elucidation of 1 and 2 were based on detailed 2D NMR techniques and spectral comparison with related compounds, leading to complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra.

Determinación de rutina y trigonelina en extractos de hojas de Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa y evaluación del efecto hipoglicemiante en humanos / Determination of rutin and trigonelline in extracts of Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and hypoglycemic effect on diabetic and prediabetic patients humans

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, and an important cardiovascular risk factor with a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Phytotherapy can be an useful complement in the treatment of chronic diseases, so the hypoglycemic effect of Bauhinia forficata (L) subsp. pruinosa (Fabaceae) was evaluated, as used in Chilean traditional medicine. The content of rutin (R) and trigonelline (T) in aqueous extracts (0.15 and 1.0 percent infusions) and lyophilized extract from leaves of B. forficata were determined by HPLC. It was obtained 2.80 ugR/mL and 2.87 ugT/mL for 0.15 percent infusion, 12.48 ugR/mL and 16.24 ugT/mL for 1.0 percent infusion, and 5.70 ugR/mL and 8.14 ugT/mL for the lyophilized extract (0.1percent). Subsequently, a pilot clinical study in diabetic and prediabetic volunteers (n = 15) was performed, taking one dose of the 0.15 percent infusion, three times a day after meals, for 3 months. The results showed a significant statistically reduction in percent of HbA1c of 0.57 +/- 0.83 (p = 0.0179), suggesting that the 0.15 percent infusion of B. forficata could be useful in the prevention or complementary treatment of diabetes...

La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 es una alteración metabólica caracterizada por hiperglicemia crónica, y un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular con elevada morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. La Fitoterapia puede ser un complemento útil en el tratamiento de enfermedades crónicas, por lo que se evaluó el efecto hipoglicemiante de Bauhinia forficata (L) subsp. pruinosa (Fabaceae), según su uso en medicina tradicional Chilena. Se determinó mediante HPLC el contenido de rutina (R) y trigonelina (T) en infusos (0.15 por ciento y 1.0 por ciento) y extracto acuoso liofilizado de las hojas de B. forficata. Se obtuvo para el infuso 0.15 por ciento = 2.80 ugR/mL y 2.87 ugT/mL, infuso 1.0 por ciento = 12.48 ugR/mL y 16.24 ugT/mL, y en el extracto liofilizado 0.1 por ciento = 5.70 ugR/mL y 8.14 ugT/mL. Posteriormente, se realizó un estudio clínico piloto en voluntarios diabéticos y prediabéticos (n = 15), tomando una dosis del infuso al 0.15 por ciento, tres veces al día después de las comidas, durante 3 meses. Los resultados mostraron una reducción estadísticamente significativa del por ciento de HbA1c de 0.57 +/- 0.83 (p = 0.0179), sugiriendo que el infuso de hojas de B. forficata (0.15 por ciento) podría ser útil en la prevención o tratamiento complementario de la diabetes...

Potencial antioxidante in vitro das folhas da Bauhinia ungulata L / Antioxidant Potential in vitro of leaves of Bauhinia ungulata L

Bauhinia ungulata L. (Pata de Vaca) is native to Brazil, mainly found in the Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, and popularly used in the treatment of diabetes. This paper describes an analysis of the in vitro antioxidant potential of crude ethanol extract and fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic residue) obtained from leaves of this species, using three different methods: 1) scavenging of organic radical 2,2 - diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH•), 2) reducing phosphomolybdenum complex and 3) assaying the products formed during lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The antioxidant potential of the extract and fractions varied with the methodology, but the ethyl acetate fraction showed activity similar to the standards used in the three methods. The results provide evidence that the leaves of B. ungulata L. area potential source of natural antioxidants, stimulating new studies aimed at the production of potential drugs for the treatment of diseases related to free radicals...

A Bauhinia ungulata L. (Pata de Vaca) é uma planta nativa do Brasil, encontrada principalmente na região Amazônica, Cerrado e Mata Atlântica, utilizada popularmente no tratamento do diabetes. Este trabalho descreve uma análise in vitro do potencial antioxidante do extrato bruto etanólico e frações (hexano, clorofórmio, acetato de etila e hidroalcoólica residual) obtidos de folhas desta espécie, através de três metodologias distintas: 1) captura de radical orgânico 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila-DPPH•, 2) redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio e 3) quantificação de produtos formados durante a peroxidação de lipídios (TBARS). O potencial antioxidante do extrato e frações foi variável de acordo com a metodologia utilizada com destaque para a fração acetato de etila que apresentou atividade similar aos padrões utilizados nos três métodos. Os resultados obtidos fornecem evidências de que as folhas de B. ungulata L. são uma potencial fonte de antioxidantes naturais, estimulando novos estudos que objetivem a produção de possíveis medicamentos destinados ao tratamento de patologias associadas aos radicais livres...

Characterization of the molluscicidal activity of Bauhinia variegata and Mimusops elengi plant extracts against the fasciola vector lymnaea acuminata / Caracterização da atividade moluscicida dos extratos das plantas Bauhinia variegata e Mimusops elengi contra o vetor da Fasciola, Lymnaea acuminata

The molluscicidal activity of Bauhinia variegata leaf and Mimusops elengi bark was studied against vector snail Lymnaea acuminata. The toxicity of both plants was time and concentration-dependent. Among organic extracts, ethanol extracts of both plants were more toxic. Toxicity of B. variegata leaf ethanolic extract (96h LC50- 14.4 mg/L) was more pronounced than M. elengi bark ethanolic extract (96h LC50-15.0 mg/L). The 24h LC50 of column purified fraction of B. variegata and M. elengi bark were 20.3 mg/L and 18.3 mg/L, respectively. Saponin and quercetin were characterized and identified as active molluscicidal component. Co-migration of saponin (Rf 0.48) and quercetin (Rf 0.52) with column purified bark of M. elengi and leaf of B. variegata on thin layer chromatography demonstrate same Rf value i.e. 0.48 and 0.52, respectively. The present study clearly indicates the possibility of using M. elengi and/or B. variegata as potent molluscicide.

A atividade moluscicida das folhas da Bauhinia variegata e da casca do Mimusops elengi foi testada contra o vetor caracol, Limnaea acuminata. A toxicidade de ambas as plantas é dependente do tempo e da concentração. Entre os extratos orgânicos, os extratos de etanol de ambas as plantas foi mais tóxico. A toxicidade do extrato etanólico da folha da B. variegata (96 h LC50 - 14,4 mg/L) foi mais pronunciada do que o extrato etanólico da casca do M. elengi (96h - LC50 - 15,0 mg/L). As frações purificadas em coluna durante 24 h LC50 do B. variegata e da casca do M. elengi foram 20,3 mg/L e 18,3 mg/L, respectivamente. A saponina e a quercentina foram caracterizadas e identificadas como os componentes ativos moluscicidas. A co-migração da saponina (Rf 0,48) e da quercentina (Rf 0,52) com a casca purificada por coluna do M. elengi e as folhas da B. variegata na cromatografia demonstraram o mesmo valor Rf isto é, 0,48 e 0,52 respectivamente. O presente estudo indica claramente a possibilidade de usar M. elengi e/ou B. variegata como moluscicidas potentes.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition starting from extracts of Bauhinia variegata L., Bauhinia var. candida (Aiton) Buch.-Ham., and Bauhinia ungulata L / Inibição de acetilcolinesterase a partir de extratos de Bauhinia variegata L., Bauhinia variegata var. candida (Aiton) Buch.-Ham., e Bauhinia ungulata L

INTRODUCTION: A treatment to the Alzheimer's disease consists inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for the acetylcholine control in the synapses. METHODS: We have investigated the potential of inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase produced by hexane extracts of leaves, branches, and flowers from three Bauhinia specimens, which is based on the technique of thin layer chromatography and on identifying the organ of the plant that possesses larger concentration of inhibitors. RESULTS: Retention factor analysis shows values of 0.31aA, 0.31aA, and 0.46aB for flowers B. variegata, B. var. candida, and B. ungulata, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The flower extract of B. ungulata is the most suitable for further studies on this inhibition.

INTRODUÇÃO: Um tratamento para a doença de Alzheimer consiste na inibição da acetilcolinesterase, responsável pelo controle de acetilcolina nas sinapses. MÉTODOS: Nós investigamos o potencial de inibição da acetilcolinesterase produzido por extratos hexânicos de folhas, ramos e flores de três espécimes de Bauhinia, realizado a partir da cromatografia em camada delgada e que órgão possui maior concentração de inibidores. RESULTADOS: Os fatores de retenção apresentaram 0,31aA, 0,31aA e 0,46aB para as flores de B. variegata, B. var. candida e B. ungulata respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O extrato de flores de B. ungulata é o mais satisfatório para futuros estudos desta inibição.

Bauhinia candicans improves the endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortic rings of alloxan-diabetic Rats / Bauhinia candicans mejora la relajación dependiente de endotelio en anillos de ratas diabético-aloxánicas

Bahuinia candicans is a plant used in Chile for diabetes management. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relaxing responsiveness to acetylcholine (Ach) of phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings from alloxan-diabetic rats treated with an aqueous-ethanol extract of B.candicans leaves (EBc-rats, 120 mg/kg/day). EBc significantly reduced fasting blood sugar from 292.4 +/- 9.2 mg/dl to 174.6 +/- 12.8 mg/dl. Ach induced a negligible reduction of tension (28 +/- 6 percent) of aortic rings from ALX-rats compared with EBc-rats (48 +/- 5.5 percent) and normal (57 +/- 5 percent). The enhanced sensitivity to phenylephrine in aortic rings from diabetic rats was reduced in EBc-rats. Removal of the endothelium or pretreatment of rings of EBc-rats with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increased the Phe response. The nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced a normal relaxation in these rings. The results suggest that the extract of leaves of B. candicans increases endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings of ALX-rats and its use may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications.

Bahuinia candicans es una planta usada en Chile para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus.. Se investigó el efecto de un extracto acuo-etanólico de las hojas de Bauhinia candicans (EBc, 120 mg/kg/día) sobre la respuesta relajadora de acetilcolina en anillos aórticos de ratas diabético-aloxánicas precontraídos con fenilefrina. EBc redujo la glicemia de ayuno de 292.4 +/- 9.2 mg/dl a 174.6 +/- 12.8 mg/dl. Acetilcolina indujo una pequeña relajación (28 +/- 6 por ciento) de los anillos de ratas diabéticas comparadas con los de ratas tratadas con EBc (ratas-EBc; 48 +/- 5.5 por ciento) y con los de ratas normales (57 +/- 5 por ciento). La alta sensibilidad a Phe en aorta de ratas diabéticas fue reducida en ratas-EBc. La remoción del endotelio y la incubación con L-NAME de los anillos de ratas-EBc generaron una alta respuesta a Phe. Nitroprusiato de sodio (SNP) indujo una relajación normal en estos anillos. Los resultados sugieren que el extracto de hojas de B. candicans aumenta la relajación dependiente de endotelio de los anillos de aorta de ratas diabéticas y su uso puede ser útil en la prevención de las complicaciones de la diabetes.

Purification and molecular cloning of a new galactose-specific lectin from Bauhinia variegata seeds.

A new galactose-specific lectin was purified from seeds of a Caesalpinoideae plant, Bauhinia variegata, by affinity chromatography on lactose-agarose. Protein extracts haemagglutinated rabbit and human erythrocytes (native and treated with proteolytic enzymes), showing preference for rabbit blood treated with papain and trypsin. Among various carbohydrates tested, the lectin was best inhibited by D-galactose and its derivatives, especially lactose. SDS-PAGE showed that the lectin, named BVL, has a pattern similar to other lectins isolated from the same genus, Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin (BPA). The molecular mass of BVL subunit is 32 871 Da, determined by MALDI-TOF spectrometry. DNA extracted from B.variegata young leaves and primers designed according to the B. purpurea lectin were used to generate specific fragments which were cloned and sequenced, revealing two distinct isoforms. The bvl gene sequence comprised an open reading frame of 876 base pairs which encodes a protein of 291 amino acids. The protein carried a putative signal peptide. The mature protein was predicted to have 263 amino acid residues and 28 963 Da in size.

Free radical scavenging profile and myeloperoxidase inhibition of extracts from antidiabetic plants: Bauhinia forficata and Cissus sicyoides

There is abundant evidence that reactive oxygen species are implicated in several physiological and pathological processes. To protect biological targets from oxidative damage, antioxidants must react with radicáis and other reactive species faster than biological substrates do. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from leaves of Bauhinia forficata Link (Fabaceae - Caesalpinioideae) and Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae) (two medicinal plants used popularly in the control of diabetes mellitus), using several different assay systems, namely, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) decolorization, superoxide anión radical (0(2)•-) scavenging and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the ABTS assay for total antioxidant activity, B. forficata showed IC50 = 8.00±0.07 μg/mL, while C. sicyoides showed IC50 = 13.0±0.2 μg/mL. However, the extract of C. sicyoides had a stronger effect on 0(2)•- (IC50 = 60.0±2.3 μg/mL) than the extract of B. forficata (IC50 = 90.0±4.4 μg/ mL). B. forficata also had a stronger inhibitory effect on MPO activity, as measured by guaiacol oxidation, than C. sicyoides. These results indicate that aqueous extracts of leaves of B. forficata and C. sicyoides are a potential source of natural antioxidants and may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress.

Isolation and intracellular localization of insulin-like proteins from leaves of Bauhinia variegata

Evidence based on immunological cross-reactivity and anti-diabetic properties has suggested the presence of insulin-like peptides in plants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of insulin-like proteins in the leaves of Bauhinia variegata ("pata-de-vaca", "mororó"), a plant widely utilized in popular medicine as an anti-diabetic agent. We show that an insulin-like protein was present in the leaves of this plant. A chloroplast protein with a molecular mass similar to that of bovine insulin was extracted from 2-mm thick 15 percent SDS-PAGE gels and fractionated with a 2 x 24 cm Sephadex G-50 column. The activity of this insulin-like protein (0.48 mg/mL) on serum glucose levels of four-week-old Swiss albino (CF1) diabetic mice was similar to that of commercial swine insulin used as control. Further characterization of this molecule by reverse-phase hydrophobic HPLC chromatographic analysis as well as its antidiabetic activity on alloxan-induced mice showed that it has insulin-like properties. Immunolocalization of the insulin-like protein in the leaves of B. variegata was performed by transmission electron microscopy using a polyclonal anti-insulin human antibody. Localization in the leaf blades revealed that the insulin-like protein is present mainly in chloroplasts where it is also found associated with crystals which may be calcium oxalate. The presence of an insulin-like protein in chloroplasts may indicate its involvement in carbohydrate metabolism. This finding has strengthened our previous results and suggests that insulin-signaling pathways have been conserved through evolution.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bauhinia racemosa L. stem bark

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark in various systems. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration-dependent manner. About 50, 100, 250, and 500 æg MEBR inhibited the peroxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion by 62.43, 67.21, 71.04, and 76.83 percent, respectively. Similarly, the effect of MEBR on reducing power increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In DPPH radical scavenging assays the IC50 value of the extract was 152.29 æg/ml. MEBR inhibited the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside with an IC50 of 78.34 æg/ml, as opposed to 20.4 æg/ml for curcumin. Moreover, MEBR scavenged the superoxide generated by the PMS/NADH-NBT system. MEBR also inhibited the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton's reaction, with an IC50 value of more than 1000 æg/ml, as compared to 5 æg/ml for catechin. The amounts of total phenolic compounds were also determined and 64.7 æg pyrocatechol phenol equivalents were detected in MEBR (1 mg). The antimicrobial activities of MEBR were determined by disc diffusion with five Gram-positive, four Gram-negative and four fungal species. MEBR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MEBR can be a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.