Acute Anti-Hyperglycaemic Activity of Five Traditional Medicinal Plants in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a prevalent non-communicable disease, is a metabolic condition involving defective pancreatic ß-cells and/or insulin resistance. Researchers are presently exploring traditional medicinal plants to identify alternatives for treating diabetes due to the various disadvantage of current anti-diabetic medicines. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of ethanol extracts of five medicinal plants (EEMPs) (Gynura nepalensis, Glochidion thomsonii, Clerodendrum splendens, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Xanthium strumarium) which are traditionally used as an ethnomedicine to treat diabetes and numerous other health problems. METHODS: High-fat fed (HFF) obese rats were used to perform acute in vivo tests, including oral glucose tolerance, feeding test, metabolic studies, and gastrointestinal motility using BaSO4 milk solution. Priliminary phytochemical screening were performed to discover the presence or absence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, and reducing sugars in extracts. RESULTS: Oral administration of ethanol extracts (250 mg/kg, body weight), along with glucose (18 mmoL/kg body weight), ameliorated glucose tolerance (p < 0.05-0.01). In addition, the extracts improved gut motility (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001), as well as reduced food intake during the feeding test (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001). Phytochemical screening of these medicinal plants depicted the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids and reducing sugars. CONCLUSIONS: Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins may be responsible for the glucose-lowering properties for these plants. Additional research is warranted to fully identify the bioactive phytomolecules and mechanistic pathways that might lead to the development of a viable, cost-effective type 2 diabetes therapy.

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a range of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin release, insulin action, or both. DM is a widespread condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of this major public health crisis is predicted to increase in the forthcoming years. Although several drugs are available to manage DM, these are associated with adverse side effects, which limits their use. In underdeveloped countries, where such drugs are often costly and not widely available, many people continue to rely on alternative traditional medicine, including medicinal plants. The latter serves as a source of primary healthcare and plant-based foods in many low- and middle-income countries. Interestingly, many of the phytochemicals they contain have been demonstrated to possess antidiabetic activity such as lowering blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion, and alleviating diabetic complications. Therefore, such plants may provide protective effects that could be used in the management of DM. The purpose of this article was to review the medicinal plant-based foods traditionally used for the management of DM, including their therapeutic effects, pharmacologically active phytoconstituents, and antidiabetic mode of action at the molecular level. It also presents future avenues for research in this field.

Insulin secretory actions of ethanolic extract of Acacia arabica bark in high fat-fed diet-induced obese Type 2 diabetic rats.

Acacia arabica commonly known as 'babul' has been widely used for the treatment of numerous diseases, including diabetes due to their potential pharmacological actions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties of ethanol extract of Acacia arabica (EEAA) bark through in vitro and in vivo studies in high fat-fed (HFF) rats. EEAA at 40-5000 µg/ml significantly increased (P<0.05-0.001) insulin secretion with 5.6 and 16.7 mM glucose, respectively, from clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 ß-cells. Similarly, EEAA at 10-40 µg/ml demonstrated a substantial (P<0.05-0.001) insulin secretory effect with 16.7 mM glucose from isolated mouse islets, with a magnitude comparable to 1 µM glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Diazoxide, verapamil, and calcium-free conditions decreased insulin secretion by 25-26%. The insulin secretory effect was further potentiated (P<0.05-0.01) with 200 µM isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX; 1.5-fold), 200 µM tolbutamide (1.4-fold), and 30 mM KCl (1.4-fold). EEAA at 40 µg/ml, induced membrane depolarization and elevated intracellular Ca2+ as well as increased (P<0.05-0.001) glucose uptake in 3T3L1 cells and inhibited starch digestion, glucose diffusion, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity, and protein glycation by 15-38%, 11-29%, 15-64%, and 21-38% (P<0.05, 0.001), respectively. In HFF rats, EEAA (250 mg/5 ml/kg) improved glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and GLP-1 levels, and lowered DPP-IV enzyme activity. Phytochemical screening of EEAA revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinone. These naturally occurring phytoconstituents may contribute to the potential antidiabetic actions of EEAA. Thus, our finding suggests that EEAA, as a good source of antidiabetic constituents, would be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes patients.

Antidiabetic Actions of Ethanol Extract of Camellia sinensis Leaf Ameliorates Insulin Secretion, Inhibits the DPP-IV Enzyme, Improves Glucose Tolerance, and Increases Active GLP-1 (7-36) Levels in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats.

Camellia sinensis (green tea) is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. In the present study, the insulin-releasing and glucose-lowering effects of the ethanol extract of Camellia sinensis (EECS), along with molecular mechanism/s of action, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The insulin secretion was measured using clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 ß cells, and mouse islets. In vitro models examined the additional glucose-lowering properties of EECS, and 3T3L1 adipocytes were used to assess glucose uptake and insulin action. Non-toxic doses of EECS increased insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, and this regulatory effect was similar to that of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The insulin release was further enhanced when combined with isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide or 30 mM KCl, but was decreased in the presence of verapamil, diazoxide and Ca2+ chelation. EECS also depolarized the ß-cell membrane and elevated intracellular Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of a KATP-dependent pathway. Furthermore, EECS increased glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3-L1 cells and inhibited dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity, starch digestion and protein glycation in vitro. Oral administration of EECS improved glucose tolerance and plasma insulin as well as inhibited plasma DPP-IV and increased active GLP-1 (7-36) levels in high-fat-diet-fed rats. Flavonoids and other phytochemicals present in EECS could be responsible for these effects. Further research on the mechanism of action of EECS compounds could lead to the development of cost-effective treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Polyphenol-Rich Leaf of Annona squamosa Stimulates Insulin Release from BRIN-BD11 Cells and Isolated Mouse Islets, Reduces (CH2O)n Digestion and Absorption, and Improves Glucose Tolerance and GLP-1 (7-36) Levels in High-Fat-Fed Rats.

Annona squamosa, commonly known as custard apple, is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and gastritis. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of an ethanolic (80% v/v) extract of A. squamosa (EEAS) leaves in vitro on insulin secretion from clonal pancreatic BRIN BD11 ß-cells and mouse islets, including mechanistic studies on the effect of EEAS on membrane potential and intracellular calcium ion concentration. Additional in vitro glucose-lowering actions were assessed. For in vivo studies, high-fat-fed (HFF) obese/normal rats were selected. EEAS increased insulin secretion in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was linked to ß-cell membrane depolarisation and cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx. In the presence of isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide, or KCl, the insulin-releasing effect of EEAS was increased, suggesting its effect was also mediated via a KATP-independent pathways. EEAS inhibited insulin glycation, glucose absorption, and DPP-IV enzyme activity in vitro and enhanced glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3L1 cells. In vivo, gut motility, food intake, glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, and active GLP-1 (7-36) levels were improved, whereas plasma DPP-IV levels were reduced in HFF rats. EEAS attenuated the absorption of sucrose and glucose as well as decreased serum glucose levels after sucrose loading and in situ intestinal perfusion in non-diabetic rats. Rutin, proanthocyanidin, and squafosacin G were putatively identified as the anti-hyperglycaemic phytomolecules in EEAS using HPLC followed by LC-MS analysis. This study illustrates the potential of A. squamosa and its phytoconstituents as a source of potential antidiabetic agents.

Insulin Secretory Actions of Ethanol Extract of Eucalyptus citriodora Leaf, including Plasma DPP-IV and GLP-1 Levels in High-Fat-Fed Rats, as Well as Characterization of Biologically Effective Phytoconstituents.

Due to the numerous adverse effects of synthetic drugs, researchers are currently studying traditional medicinal plants to find alternatives for diabetes treatment. Eucalyptus citriodora is known to be used as a remedy for various illnesses, including diabetes. This study aimed to explore the effects of ethanol extract of Eucalyptus citriodora (EEEC) on in vitro and in vivo systems, including the mechanism/s of action. The methodology used involved the measurement of insulin secretion from clonal pancreatic ß-cells, BRIN BD11, and mouse islets. Other in vitro systems further examined EEEC's glucose-lowering properties. Obese rats fed a high-fat-fed diet (HFF) were selected for in vivo evaluation, and phytoconstituents were detected via RP-HPLC followed by LC-MS. EEEC induced insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner with modulatory effects, similar to 1 µM glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which were partly declined in the presence of Ca2+-channel blocker (Verapamil), KATP-channel opener (Diazoxide), and Ca2+ chelation. The insulin secretory effects of EEEC were augmented by isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), which persisted in the context of tolbutamide or a depolarizing concentration of KCl. EEEC enhanced insulin action in 3T3-L1 cells and reduced glucose absorption, and protein glycation in vitro. In HFF rats, it improved glucose tolerance and plasma insulin, attenuated plasma DPP-IV, and induced active GLP-1 (7-36) levels in circulation. Rhodomyrtosone B, Quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, rhodomyrtosone E, and quercitroside were identified as possible phytoconstituents that may be responsible for EEEC effects. Thus, these findings revealed that E. citriodora could be used as an adjunct nutritional supplement to manage type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin in the Management of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is spreading alarmingly around the globe. Type-2 DM (T2DM) is characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance and is closely linked to obesity. T2DM is mainly controlled by lifestyle/dietary changes and oral antidiabetic drugs but requires insulin in severe cases. Many of the drugs that are currently used to treat DM are costly and present adverse side effects. Several cellular, animal, and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence that flavonoids have therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes and its complications. Quercetin is a flavonoid, present in various natural sources, which has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic properties. It improves oral glucose tolerance, as well as pancreatic ß-cell function to secrete insulin. It inhibits the α-glucosidase and DPP-IV enzymes, which prolong the half-life of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Quercetin also suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mode(s) of action of quercetin at the molecular level. This review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of quercetin in the management of T2DM.

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids on Tumor Microenvironment: A Molecular Switch in Neoplasia Transformation.

The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on the tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment consists of a complex cellular network that can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on tumor genesis. Given the increasing interest in the effectiveness of cannabis, cannabinoids have gained much attention as a potential chemotherapy drug. Cannabinoids are a group of marker compounds found in Cannabis sativa L., more commonly known as marijuana, a psychoactive drug used since ancient times for pain management. Although the anticancer potential of C. sativa, has been recognized previously, increased attention was generated after discovering the endocannabinoid system and the successful production of cannabinoid receptors. In vitro and in vivo studies on various tumor models have shown therapeutic efficiency by modifying the tumor microenvironment. However, despite extensive attention regarding potential therapeutic implications of cannabinoids, considerable clinical and preclinical analysis is needed to adequately define the physiological, pharmacological, and medicinal aspects of this range of compounds in various disorders covered in this review. This review summarizes the key literature surrounding the role of cannabinoids in the tumor microenvironment and their future promise in cancer treatment.

Pharmacologically Active Phytomolecules Isolated from Traditional Antidiabetic Plants and Their Therapeutic Role for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic complication that affects people of all ages. The increased prevalence of diabetes worldwide has led to the development of several synthetic drugs to tackle this health problem. Such drugs, although effective as antihyperglycemic agents, are accompanied by various side effects, costly, and inaccessible to the majority of people living in underdeveloped countries. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally throughout the ages to treat various ailments due to their availability and safe nature. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals that possess several health benefits. As diabetes continues to become prevalent, health care practitioners are considering plant-based medicines as a potential source of antidiabetic drugs due to their high potency and fewer side effects. To better understand the mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their active phytoconstituents are being isolated and investigated thoroughly. In this review article, we have focused on pharmacologically active phytomolecules isolated from medicinal plants presenting antidiabetic activity and the role they play in the treatment and management of diabetes. These natural compounds may represent as good candidates for a novel therapeutic approach and/or effective and alternative therapies for diabetes.

Insulin secretory and antidiabetic actions of Heritiera fomes bark together with isolation of active phytomolecules.

In folklore, Heritiera fomes (H. fomes) has been extensively used in treatment of various ailments such as diabetes, cardiac and hepatic disorders. The present study aimed to elucidate the antidiabetic actions of hot water extract of H. fomes (HWHF), including effects on insulin release from BRIN BD11 cells and isolated mouse islets as well as glucose homeostasis in high-fat-fed rats. Molecular mechanisms underlying anti-diabetic activity along with isolation of active compounds were also evaluated. Non-toxic concentrations of HWHF stimulated concentration-dependent insulin release from isolated mouse islets and clonal pancreatic ß-cells. The stimulatory effect was potentiated by glucose and isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), persisted in presence of tolbutamide or a depolarizing concentration of KCl but was attenuated by established inhibitors of insulin release such as diazoxide, verapamil, and Ca2+ chelation. HWHF caused depolarization of the ß-cell membrane and increased intracellular Ca2+. The extract also enhanced glucose uptake and insulin action in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes cells and significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner starch digestion, protein glycation, DPP-IV enzyme activity, and glucose diffusion in vitro. Oral administration of HWHF (250 mg/5ml/kg b.w.) to high-fat fed rats significantly improved glucose tolerance and plasma insulin responses and it inhibited plasma DPP-IV activity. HWHF also decreased in vivo glucose absorption and intestinal disaccharidase activity while increasing gastrointestinal motility and unabsorbed sucrose transit. Compounds were isolated from HWHF with similar molecular weights to quercitrin (C21 H20 O11) ranging from 447.9 to 449.9 Da which stimulated the insulin release in vitro and improved both glucose tolerance and plasma insulin responses in mice. In conclusion, H. fomes and its water-soluble phytochemicals such as quercitrin may exert antidiabetic actions mediated through a variety of mechanisms which might be useful as dietary adjunct in the management of type 2 diabetes.

In vitro and in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of the ethanol extract of Heritiera fomes bark and characterization of pharmacologically active phytomolecules.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the mechanistic basis of Heritiera fomes, which has traditionally been used to treat diabetes. METHODS: Clonal pancreatic ß-cells and primary islets were used to measure insulin release. 3T3-L1 cells were used to analyse insulin action, and in vitro systems were used to measure further glucose-lowering activity. In vivo assessment was performed on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type-2 diabetic rats and reversed-phase-HPLC followed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect bioactive molecules. KEY FINDINGS: Ethanol extract of Heritiera fomes (EEHF) significantly increased insulin release with stimulatory effects comparable to 1 µM glucagon-like peptide 1, which were somewhat reduced by diazoxide, verapamil and calcium-free conditions. Insulin release was stimulated by tolbutamide, isobutyl methylxanthine and KCl. EEHF induced membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels. EEHF enhanced glucose uptake in 3T3L1 cells and decreased protein glycation. EEHF significantly inhibited postprandial hyperglycaemia following sucrose loading and inversely elevated unabsorbed sucrose concentration in the gut. It suppressed glucose absorption during in situ gut perfusion. Furthermore, EEHF improved glucose tolerance, plasma insulin and gut motility, and decreased plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity. Procyanidins, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins were some of the identified bioactive constituents that may involve in ß-cell actions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some evidence to support the use of H. fomes as an antidiabetic traditional remedy.

Anti-proliferative, Anti-angiogenic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Moringa peregrina Leaf Extracts on Testosterone- Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats.

AIM: To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and biochemical effects of Moringa peregrina leaf extracts on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats. METHODS: Six groups of rats (each group included 5 rats) were included in this study. The groups included: 1) the control group, 2) the testosterone-induced BPH group, 3) with 50 mg/kg bwt (bodyweight) oil-treated BPH, 4) with 100 mg/kg bwt. oil-treated BPH, 5) with 500mg/kg bwt. ethanol treated BPH and 6) with 1,000 mg/kg bwt. aqueous treated BPH group. Biochemical markers were measured to evaluate the effect of M. peregrina leaf extracts. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant improvement in the thickness of epithelial cells of the BPH glandular tissues when treated with different M. peregrina extracts (p < 0.05). In addition, M. peregrina extracts showed anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenesis effects on the BPH tissues by reduction of IL-6, PCNA and VEGF-A, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our preclinical study concluded that M. peregrina leaf extracts showed a significant effect on BPH by reducing inflammation, proliferation, and angiogenic processes with no signs of toxicity.

Exploiting the Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome as a Vehicle for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Colon.

The prevalence of colon-associated diseases has increased significantly over the past several decades, as evidenced by accumulated literature on conditions such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Developing therapeutics for these diseases is challenging due to physiological barriers of the colon, systemic side effects, and the intestinal environment. Therefore, in a search for novel methods to overcome some of these problems, researchers discovered that microbial metabolism by gut microbiotia offers a potential method for targeted drug delivery This overview highlights several drug delivery systems used to modulate the microbiota and improve colon-targeted drug delivery. This technology will be important in developing a new generation of therapies which harness the metabolism of the human gut microflora.

Identification of Multiple Pancreatic and Extra-Pancreatic Pathways Underlying the Glucose-Lowering Actions of Acacia arabica Bark in Type-2 Diabetes and Isolation of Active Phytoconstituents.

Acacia arabica is used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes. This study elucidated the antidiabetic actions of A. arabica bark together with the isolation of bioactive molecules. Insulin secretion and signal transduction were measured using clonal ß cells and mouse islets. Glucose uptake was assessed using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and in vitro systems assessed additional glucose-lowering actions. High-fat-fed (HFF) obese rats were used for in vivo evaluation, and phytoconstituents were isolated and characterised by RP-HPLC followed by LC-MS and NMR. Hot-water extract of A. arabica (HWAA) increased insulin release from clonal ß cells and mouse islets by 1.3-6.8-fold and 1.6-3.2-fold, respectively. Diazoxide, verapamil and calcium-free conditions decreased insulin-secretory activity by 30-42%. In contrast, isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide and 30 mM KCl potentiated the insulin-secretory effects. The mechanism of actions of HWAA involved membrane depolarisation and elevation of intracellular Ca2+ together with an increase in glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes, inhibition of starch digestion, glucose diffusion, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity and protein glycation. Acute HWAA administration (250 mg/5 mL/kg) enhanced glucose tolerance and plasma insulin in HFF obese rats. Administration of HWAA (250 mg/5 mL/kg) for 9 days improved glucose homeostasis and ß-cell functions, thereby improving glycaemic control, and circulating insulin. Isolated phytoconstituents, including quercetin and kaempferol, increased insulin secretion in vitro and improved glucose tolerance. The results indicate that HWAA has the potential to treat type 2 diabetes as a dietary supplement or as a source of antidiabetic agents, including quercetin and kaempferol.

Insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties of Eucalyptus citriodora leaves and isolation of bioactive phytomolecules.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to delineate the mechanisms of action of the plant Eucalyptus citriodora used traditionally for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Insulin secretion and signal transduction were measured using clonal pancreatic ß-cells and mouse islets. Glucose uptake was assessed using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in vitro systems assessed additional glucose-lowering actions. High-fat-fed (HFF) obese rats were used for in vivo evaluation and phytoconstituents were identified by RP-HPLC followed by LC-MS. KEY FINDINGS: Eucalyptus citriodora stimulated 1.2-4.6-fold insulin release that was inhibited by the Ca2+-channel blocker, verapamil, KATP-channel opener, diazoxide and Ca2+ free conditions. The effect was potentiated by IBMX and preserved in presence of tolbutamide or 30 mM KCl. The action mechanism involved membrane depolarization and elevation of intracellular Ca2+. Eucalyptus citriodora also significantly increased glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 cells and inhibited digestion of starch, glucose absorption, DPP-IV enzyme and glycation of protein. Administration of E. citriodora (250 mg/5 ml/kg) for 9 days to HFF obese-diabetic rats improved glycaemic control and ß-cell function. The isolated phytoconstituents responsible for the ß-cell actions included quercitrin, isoquercitrin and rhodomyrtosone E. CONCLUSIONS: Eucalyptus citriodora improves glycaemic control via multiple mechanisms. Further studies are required to assess the utility of the plant or active constituents in the therapy of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of 22 traditional anti-diabetic medicinal plants on DPP-IV enzyme activity and glucose homeostasis in high-fat fed obese diabetic rats.

The present study investigated the effects of hot water extracts of 22 medicinal plants used traditionally to treat diabetes on Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity both in vitro and in vivo in high-fat fed (HFF) obese-diabetic rats. Fluorometric assay was employed to determine the DPP-IV activity. For in vivo studies, HFF obese-diabetic rats were fasted for 6 h and blood was sampled at different times before and after the oral administration of the glucose alone (18 mmol/kg body weight) or with either of the four most active plant extracts (250 mg/5 ml/kg, body weight) or established DPP-IV inhibitors (10 µmol/5 ml/kg). DPP-IV inhibitors: sitagliptin, vildagliptin and diprotin A, decreased enzyme activity by a maximum of 95-99% (P<0.001). Among the 22 natural anti-diabetic plants tested, AnogeissusLatifolia exhibited the most significant (P<0.001) inhibitory activity (96 ± 1%) with IC50 and IC25 values of 754 and 590 µg/ml. Maximum inhibitory effects of other extracts: Aegle marmelos, Mangifera indica, Chloropsis cochinchinensis, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Azadirachta indica were (44 ±7%; 38 ± 4%; 31±1%; 28±2%; 27±2%, respectively). A maximum of 45% inhibition was observed with >25 µM concentrations of selected phytochemicals (rutin). A.latifolia, A. marmelos, T. foenum-graecum and M. indica extracts improved glucose tolerance, insulin release, reduced DPP-IV activity and increased circulating active GLP-1 in HFF obese-diabetic rats (P<0.05-0.001). These results suggest that ingestion of selected natural anti-diabetic plants, in particular A. latifolia, A. marmelos, T. foenum-graecum and M. indica can substantially inhibit DPP-IV and improve glucose homeostasis, thereby providing a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of T2DM.

Anti-hyperglycaemic and insulin-releasing effects of Camellia sinensis leaves and isolation and characterisation of active compounds.

Anti-diabetic actions of Camellia sinensis leaves, used traditionally for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treatment, have been determined. Insulin release, membrane potential and intra-cellular Ca were studied using the pancreatic ß-cell line, BRIN-BD11 and primary mouse pancreatic islets. Cellular glucose-uptake/insulin action by 3T3-L1 adipocytes, starch digestion, glucose diffusion, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) activity and glycation were determined together with in vivo studies assessing glucose homoeostasis in high-fat-fed (HFF) rats. Active phytoconstituents with insulinotropic activity were isolated using reversed-phase HPLC, LCMS and NMR. A hot water extract of C. sinensis increased insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Insulinotropic effects were significantly reduced by diazoxide, verapamil and under Ca-free conditions, being associated with membrane depolarisation and increased intra-cellular Ca2+. Insulin-releasing effects were observed in the presence of KCl, tolbutamide and isobutylmethylxanthine, indicating actions beyond K+ and Ca2+ channels. The extract also increased glucose uptake/insulin action in 3T3L1 adipocyte cells and inhibited protein glycation, DPP-IV enzyme activity, starch digestion and glucose diffusion. Oral administration of the extract enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin release in HFF rats. Extended treatment (250 mg/5 ml per kg orally) for 9 d led to improvements of body weight, energy intake, plasma and pancreatic insulin, and corrections of both islet size and ß-cell mass. These effects were accompanied by lower glycaemia and significant reduction of plasma DPP-IV activity. Compounds isolated by HPLC/LCMS, isoquercitrin and rutin (464·2 Da and 610·3 Da), stimulated insulin release and improved glucose tolerance. These data indicate that C. sinensis leaves warrant further evaluation as an effective adjunctive therapy for T2DM and source of bioactive compounds.

Evaluation of the Antidiabetic and Insulin Releasing Effects of A. squamosa, Including Isolation and Characterization of Active Phytochemicals.

Annona squamosa is generally referred to as a 'custard apple'. Antidiabetic actions of hot water extract of Annona squamosa (HWAS) leaves together with isolation of active insulinotropic compounds were studied. Insulin release, membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ were determined using BRIN-BD11 cells and isolated mouse islets. 3T3L1 adipocytes and in vitro models were used to determine cellular glucose uptake, insulin action, starch digestion, glucose diffusion, DPP-IV activity and glycation. Glucose intolerant high-fat fed rats were used for in vivo studies. Active compounds were isolated and characterized by HPLC, LCMS and NMR. HWAS stimulated insulin release from clonal ß-cells and mouse islets. Using fluorescent indicator dyes and modulators of insulin secretion, effects could be attributed to depolarization of ß-cells and influx of Ca2+. Secretion was stimulated by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), tolbutamide or 30 mM KCl, indicating additional non-KATP dependent pathways. Extract stimulated cellular glucose uptake and insulin action and inhibited starch digestion, protein glycation, DPP-IV enzyme activity and glucose diffusion. Oral HWAS improved glucose tolerance and plasma insulin in high-fat fed obese rats. Treatment for 9 days with HWAS (250 mg/5 mL/kg), partially normalised energy intake, body weight, pancreatic insulin content, and both islet size and beta cell mass. This was associated with improved oral glucose tolerance, increased plasma insulin and inhibition of plasma DPP-IV activity. Isolated insulinotropic compounds, including rutin (C27H30O16), recapitulated the positive actions of HWAS on beta cells and in vivo glucose tolerance and plasma insulin responses. Annona squamosa is attractive as a dietary adjunct in treatment of T2DM and as a source of potential antidiabetic agents including rutin.

Dietary Crocin is Protective in Pancreatic Cancer while Reducing Radiation-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Damage.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the fatal causes of global cancer-related deaths. Although surgery and chemotherapy are standard treatment options, post-treatment outcomes often end in a poor prognosis. In the present study, we investigated anti-pancreatic cancer and amelioration of radiation-induced oxidative damage by crocin. Crocin is a carotenoid isolated from the dietary herb saffron, a prospect for novel leads as an anti-cancer agent. Crocin significantly reduced cell viability of BXPC3 and Capan-2 by triggering caspase signaling via the downregulation of Bcl-2. It modulated the expression of cell cycle signaling proteins P53, P21, P27, CDK2, c-MYC, Cyt-c and P38. Concomitantly, crocin treatment-induced apoptosis by inducing the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Microarray analysis of the expression signature of genes induced by crocin showed a substantial number of genes involved in cell signaling pathways and checkpoints (723) are significantly affected by crocin. In mice bearing pancreatic tumors, crocin significantly reduced tumor burden without a change in body weight. Additionally, it showed significant protection against radiation-induced hepatic oxidative damage, reduced the levels of hepatic toxicity and preserved liver morphology. These findings indicate that crocin has a potential role in the treatment, prevention and management of pancreatic cancer.

Effects of Spirulina platensis on insulin secretion, dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and both carbohydrate digestion and absorption indicate potential as an adjunctive therapy for diabetes.

Spirulina platensis has been found to be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of ethanol extract and butanol fraction of S. platensis on insulin release and glucose homoeostasis in type 2 diabetic rats, together with their mechanism of actions. In vitro and in vivo methods were used including cellular studies to determine potential role of ion channels and cAMP in the insulinotropic actions of the extracts. The ethanol extract and butanol fraction stimulated insulin release from mouse islets and pancreatic ß-cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The butanol fraction also similarly stimulated insulin release from perfused rat pancreas. The insulin-releasing action was augmented by glucose, isobutylmethylxanthine, tolbutamide and a depolarising concentration of KCl. The insulin secretory effect was attenuated with diazoxide and verapamil and by omission of extracellular Ca2+. Butanol fraction was found to significantly inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme activity. Moreover, butanol fraction improved glucose tolerance following oral glucose administration (2·5 g/kg body weight (b.w.)). The butanol fraction was tested on 24 h starved rats given an oral sucrose load (2·5 g/kg b.w.) to examine possible effects on carbohydrate digestion and absorption. S. platensis substantially decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia after oral sucrose load and increased unabsorbed sucrose content throughout the gut. During in situ intestinal perfusion with glucose, the butanol fraction reduced glucose absorption and promoted gut motility. Finally, chronic oral administration of butanol fraction for 28 d significantly decreased blood glucose, increased plasma insulin, pancreatic insulin stores, liver glycogen and improved lipid profile. The characterisation of active compounds from butanol fraction revealed the presence of p-coumaric acid, ß-carotene, catechin and other antioxidant polyphenols. In conclusion, S. platensis could be an adjunctive therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes.