Effect of Phaleria Macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl Leaf Ethanol Extract on Serum IL-6 and TNF-α Levels in Diabetic Rats.

Background: Hyperglycemia conditions in diabetes mellitus (DM) can turn on pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. These cytokines play a role in insulin resistance and the development of DM complications. People in Indonesia have used Phaleria macrocarpa to treat diabetes, but the leaf of this plant has not been studied to see if it can reduce inflammation. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of ethanolic extract of Phaleria macrocarpa leaves (EEPML) in serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels of diabetic rats. Methods: This study was an experiment with a post-test-only control group design. Thirty 8-week-old male Wistar rats were used in the study. They were split into six groups: K1 was the normal control group; K2 was the DM control group; K3, K4, and K5 were given EEPML at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/KgBW; and K6 was given metformin 45 mg/KgBW orally once a day for 14 days. A high-fat diet and a 30 mg/KgBWi.p injection of streptozotocin were used to make the diabetic rat model. ELISA method for measuring serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney test were used to examine the differences between the groups. Results: There were significant differences between treatment groups in the mean levels of serum IL-6 (p=0.017), but there were no significant differences in the mean levels of serum TNF-α (p>0.05). Conclusion: Administration of Phaleria macrocarpa leaf ethanol extract 125 mg/KgBW reduced serum IL-6 levels but could not significantly reduce serum TNF-α levels in diabetic rats.

Effect of Using Ethanol Extract of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Leaves and Olea Europea Fruit Oil Combination on Facial Skin.

Background: Artocarpus heterophyllus (A. heterophyllus) leaves and Olea europea (OE) fruit oil are natural sources that have been traditionally used for health and skin care purpose. Objective: To assess the potential synergistic effect of combining ethanol extract of A. heterophyllus leaves (AHLE) and OE fruit oil in the formulation of clay masks, specifically in terms of their effect on facial skin. Methods: AHLE was obtained by the maceration method, while OE was purchased commercially. Total phenol and flavonoid content were calculated and a DPPH assay was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the four formulas prepared were F1 (AHLE 5%), F2 (OE 10%), F3 (AHLE 5% + OE 10%), and F4 (AHLE 2.5% + OE 5%). Adult women received weekly facial treatments with the formulated mask for one month. The effect of these treatments was evaluated based on several skin parameters, including moisture, oiliness, texture, collagen levels, pigmentation, sensitivity, and the presence of wrinkles. Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed using the Wilcoxon sign-ranked test. Results: AHLE contained total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity higher than OE. Clay masks in all formulations showed homogeneity and do not contain coarse grain. After four weeks of treatment, the efficacy of the formulations demonstrated a significant effect. F1 exhibited a reduction in wrinkles by 36.27%, while F3 improved oily skin by 21.39%, enhanced skin texture by 44.32%, reduced pigmentation by 30.30%, and decreased skin sensitivity by 49.18%. Furthermore, F4 demonstrated an increase in skin moisture levels by 27.89% and a boost in collagen production by 32.00%. Conclusion: The combination of AHLE and OE at 5% and 10% demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to their individual use.

Study of the Molecular Dynamics Stability in the Inhibitory Interaction of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate against CTLA-4 in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Background: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a first-line nucleotide analog (NA) drug for hepatitis B therapy. Long-term NA therapy increases peripheral T cell levels to enhance antiviral response, while CTLA-4 inhibits the activation. Objective: This study analyzed the interaction between TDF and CTLA-4 through molecular docking. Methods: Target protein and ligand data mining were performed, and proteins were prepared by removing water molecules in the Discovery Studio 2019 software. The energy minimization was performed on ligands using Pyrx v.0.9.8 software. Protein-ligand docking was performed using Autodock Vina integrated with Pyrx v.09.8. Meanwhile, the docking of proteins was accomplished using the Haddock server. The BioVia Discovery Studio 2019 software visualized the interaction between the compound and the docked protein. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out using the YASARA Dynamic program developed by Biosciences GmbH. Results: TDF ligand has good and stable inhibitory activity against the CTLA-4/B7-1 and CTLA4/B7-2 complexes. TDF docking has been shown to initiate conformational changes, indicating the ligand's inhibitory activity. The significant conformational changes based on superimposition results were shown by the CTLA-4/TDF/B7-2 and CTLA-4/B7-1/TDF complexes. TDF in all ligands undergoes bonding and displacement of binding sites. Conclusion: Treatment with TDF was predicted to have inhibitory activity against CTLA-4, especially in its complex form with B7-1 and B7-2.

Association Between Serum Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen (CTLA)-4 Level and Disease Progression in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Backgroud: Immune impairment, marked by increased expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4, promotes the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between serum CTLA-4 level and disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan, Indonesia between October 2021 to September 2022. A total of 150 participants were enrolled. Patients aged 18 years or older with evidence of chronic hepatitis B, HBV-related liver cirrhosis, and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were history of chronic hepatotoxic drug consumption, underlying liver abnormalities other than HBV infection, and liver injury due to metastasized malignancy from other sites. Serum CTLA-4 level was determined from serum using human CTLA-4 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Most participants were males and aged between 40 and 60 years. Serum CTLA-4 level was positively associated with chronic hepatitis B progression (P<0.001). Serum CTLA-4 level was negatively correlated with serum platelet (P<0.001) and albumin levels (P<0.001) but positively correlated with serum ALT (P=0.045) and total bilirubin levels (P<0.001). Conclusions: Serum CTLA-4 level is associated with disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Analysis of Antidiabetic Activity of Squalene via In Silico and In Vivo Assay.

Squalene has been tested widely in pharmacological activity including anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. This study aims to examine antidiabetic activity of squalene in silico and in vivo models. In the in silico model, the PASS server was used to evaluate squalene antidiabetic properties. Meanwhile, the in vivo model was conducted on a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with the rats separated into three groups. These include squalene (160 mg/kgbw), metformin (45 mg/kgbw), and diabetic control (DC) (aquades 10 mL/kgbw) administered once daily for 14 days. Fasting Blood Glucose Level (FBGL), Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPPIV), leptin, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity were measured to analysis antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the pancreas was analysed through histopathology to examine the islet cell. The results showed that in silico analysis supported squalene antidiabetic potential. In vivo experiment demonstrated that squalene decreased FBGL levels to 134.40 ± 16.95 mg/dL. The highest DPPIV level was in diabetic control- (61.26 ± 15.06 ng/mL), while squalene group showed the lowest level (44.09 ± 5.29 ng/mL). Both metformin and squalene groups showed minor pancreatic rupture on histopathology. Leptin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in diabetic control group (15.39 ± 1.77 ng/mL) than both squalene- (13.86 ± 0.47 ng/mL) and metformin-treated groups (9.22 ± 0.84 ng/mL). SOD activity were higher in both squalene- and metformin-treated group, particularly 22.42 ± 0.27 U/mL and 22.81 ± 0.08 U/mL than in diabetic control (21.88 ± 0.97 U/mL). In conclusion, in silico and in vivo experiments provide evidence of squalene antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.

The potential of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) fruit as an ethanol extract for neuroprotection in aged model rat.

Objective: Dementia is a common aging-related neurodegenerative disease in the elderly worldwide. Alterations in neurogenesis and angiogenesis factors have been linked to cognitive impairment in neurological disorders. However, synthetic drugs to improve memory disorders have uncomfortable side effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the neuroprotective potential of the fruit ethanol extract of andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC) [Andaliman fruit ethanol extract (AEE)] on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and spatial memory in rat models of aging. Materials and Methods: This study had an experimental design with AEE. The 4 groups were treated as follows: N (normal), M (served as positive control), P1 (AEE 150 mg/kg bw), and P2 (AEE 300 mg/kg BW) for 8 weeks. Aged model rats (M, P1, and P2) were obtained by inducing D-galactose (150 mg/kg bw). BDNF and VEGF expression were determined by RT-PCR, and spatial memory was assessed using the test of the Moris Water Maze (MWM). The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess the statistical analysis. Results: AEE had a tendency to increase BDNF in P2 compared to the normal group (1.98 versus 1). VEGF expression increased in P1 and P2 compared to the normal group (1.14 and 1.29 versus 1). AEE at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw significantly improved spatial memory (p = 0.026). Conclusion: For eight weeks, AEE at a dose of 300 mg/kg bw considerably increased the potential to enhance VEGF and BDNF expression as well as spatial memory.

The anti-obesity properties of Anredera cordifolia leaf extract in rats fed a high-fat diet through inhibition of adipogenesis.

Objective: Various disease complications are a risk of overweight or obesity, so losing weight can reduce the risk of diseases caused by obesity. Binahong leaf ethanol extract (Anredera cordifolia) is a weight-loss herbal preparation. Aim: This study aims to analyze whether A. cordifolia extract is effective in losing weight by affecting the mechanism of adipogenesis in an animal obesity model. Materials and Methods: Animals were grouped into six groups as follows: the normal diet (K1), the negative control group (K2), the positive control group with Orlistat at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW (K3), an ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves at doses of 50 mg/kg BW (P1), 100 mg/kg BW group (P2), and 150 mg/kg BW (P3). All rats were fed a diet that consisted of high fat for eight weeks, except K1. Afterward, the treatments were given based on group distribution. Then, the rats were treated based on their groups for 4 weeks, and the high-fat diet was still given during the treatment for the control groups (K2). Anthropometric examinations such as body weight, length, and the circumference of the abdomen were measured. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and abdominal fat weight, were measured using molecular parameters that measured PI3K levels and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in abdominal fat tissue samples using the ELISA method. Results: ERK levels of abdominal fat were lowered in the treatment group using the extract of A. cordifolia (50 mg/kg BW (P1) and 100 mg/kg BW (P2)) compared to the control group that was given a high-fat diet without treatment. The control group, which was fed a high-fat diet without treatment, had an average ERK level of 10.17 ± 2.98 ng/ml, P1 (50 mg/kg BW). Furthermore, when ethanol extracts were used as opposed to the control group, which received a high-fat diet without treatment, there was an increase in phosphoinositide three-kinase (PI3K) levels (K2). The control group received 9.35 ± 2.87 ng/ml, the treatment group received 100 mg/kg BW (P2) 9.48 ± 1.54 ng/ml, and the treatment group received 150 mg/kg BW (P3) 7.87 ± 1.79 ng/ml. The weight of fat in the abdomen differed between the groups that received a high-fat diet without treatment (K2) and those that received a high-fat diet with treatment (P1, P2, P3; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Anredera cordifolia extract possesses anti-obesity activities by decreasing ERK and increasing PI3K levels, as well as reducing abdominal fat weight.

Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation and Identification of Antidiabetic Compound of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.)'s Leaf Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model.

(1) Background: An earlier study on the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum (Wight.) leaf methanol extract identified squalene as the major chemical compound. The present study was conducted to assess the hypoglycemic effect of fractions and subfractions of the methanol extract of S. polyanthum compared to the squalene using a bioassay-guided in vivo study. (2) Methods: The methanol extract was fractionated using the liquid−liquid fractionation method. Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rat was used to study the hypoglycemic effect. (3) Results: The findings showed that chloroform fraction significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels of diabetic rats as compared to the control. Further fractionation of chloroform fraction yielded subfraction-1 and -2, whereby subfraction-1 exhibited a higher blood-glucose-lowering effect. The lipid profile test showed that the total cholesterol level of subfraction-1 and squalene-treated groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). An immunohistochemistry study revealed that none of the treatments regenerated pancreatic ß-cells. Gas chromatography−mass spectrophotometer analysis identified the presence of squalene in the active methanol extract, chloroform fraction, and subfraction-1. In silico analysis revealed a higher affinity of squalene against protein receptors that control lipid metabolism than metformin. (4) Conclusions: Data obtained from the present work suggested the crude methanol extract exerted the highest hypoglycemic effect compared to fraction, subfraction, and squalene, confirming synergistic effect may be responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of S. polyanthum.

The Relation of Haplotype ATP-binding Cassette B1 and Glutathione S-transferase P1 A313G Genes with Hematological Toxicity in Indonesian Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

Objectives: Hematological toxicity induced by chemotherapy is known to be caused by multiple factors, including genetic factors such as polymorphisms. The polymorphisms may occur in drug efflux transporter proteins and enzymes involved in drug metabolism. We investigate the incidence of hematological toxicities and their relation to the haplotype ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) which were polymorphisms of C1236T, C3435T, G2677T, and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) A313G genes in Indonesian breast cancer patients who received anthracycline during chemotherapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 138 breast cancer patients who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, who satisfied the inclusion criteria. The DNA of these patients was extracted from the peripheral leukocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ABCB1 and GSTP1 were examined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Data on patient characteristics and the incidence of hematological toxicity after each of the three cycles of chemotherapy were obtained from the medical records. The variations in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and anemia were analyzed using the Friedmann test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to investigate the association of ABCB1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms with anemia and neutropenia. The frequency distributions of genotypes and alleles were determined using the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). Results: Post the chemotherapy cycles, there was decrease in ANC (Mean±SD: 5 644.4±2 962.5 mm3 vs. 3 034.8±2 049.6 mm3) and increase in anemia (12.1±1.5 g/dL vs. 11.2± 1.3 g/dL) (p < 0.050 for each). No relation was observed between ABCB1 polymorphism, either in each SNP or in the form of haplotype (the combination of more than one SNP), and the incidence of anemia and neutropenia (p > 0.050). There was also no correlation between GSTP1 polymorphisms, anemia and neutropenia incidence (p > 0.050). The ABCB1 and GSTP1 genotypes and alleles frequency distribution showed no deviation from HWE (p > 0.050). Conclusions: Indonesia breast cancer patients who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy demonstrated susceptibility to hematological toxicity by developing side effects such as anemia and neutropenia. However, no relationship was found between hematological toxicity and ABCB1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms.

Potential benefit of olive leaf extract in cervical spondylotic myelopathy model.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of myelopathy in the cervical due to chronic compression of the spinal cord in patients aged 55 years or older. Recent studies suggest that olive extracts suppress inflammation and reduce stress oxidative injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neuroprotective effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) in an experimental cervical spondylotic myelopathy model. METHODS: This study was divided into 6 groups; Control Negative (Sham-Operated) Group, Control Positive 1 & 2 (early chronic and chronic), Treatment Groups 1, 2 & 3 (prophylactic, concomitant & late). Olive leaf extract (OLE) give 350 mg/kg BW and spinal cord sample was taken at the compression level C5. Histopathological assessment and immunohistochemistry of Amyloid-ß, p-Tau, TDP-43 dan CD-68 dan evaluation of functional motoric outcome was done before animals were terminated. RESULTS: Chronic spinal cord compression increased the expression of Amyloid-ß, p-Tau, TDP-43 dan CD-68. OLE 350 mg/kg BW decreased the expression of these biomarkers and increased functional motoric outcome, especially as prophylactic dan concomitant treatment. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that OLE may be effective in protecting cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Factors affecting HBV DNA suppression in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Background: This study aims to determine the factors affecting HBV DNA suppression in chronic hepatitis B patients with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Methods: A case-control was carried out from October 2021 to August 2022 on 182 chronic hepatitis B patients who had TDF therapy regularly for 24 weeks at H. Adam Malik and USU Hospitals in Medan, Indonesia. The history of the samples was obtained, followed by physical examination, and blood collection. CTLA-4 polymorphism examination was carried out using real-time PCR, while the serum CTLA-4 levels were assessed with ELISA. Results: The CTLA-4 -1661G>A polymorphism, genotype GG+AG, increased 1.52 times risk of not achieving HBV DNA suppression to TDF compared to genotype AA (p=0.041). High CTLA-4 levels increased 2.28 times risk, high HBV DNA levels increased 2.09 times risk, low ALT levels increased 1.95 times risk of not achieving HBV DNA suppression (p= 0.009, 0.026, 0.036, respectively). There was no relationship between gender, age, ethnicity, obesity, baseline AST, HBeAg, genotype, liver fibrosis and HBV DNA suppression after 24 weeks of treatment (p>0.05). Conclusions: The levels of CTLA-4, HBV DNA, ALT, and CTLA-4 -1661G>A polymorphism have a potential relationship with the suppression of HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients with TDF.

The Effectivity of Ethanolic Extract from Papaya Leaves (Carica papaya L.) as an Alternative Larvacide to Aedes spp.

BACKGROUND: Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a disease found in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Indonesia. One of the problems of vector control programs is insecticides resistance to Aedes spp. AIM: The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an alternative larvacide using papaya leaves (Carica papaya L). METHODS: To obtain an ethanolic extract of C. papaya leaf (EECP), the dried of C. papaya leaf was macerated with ethanol 70%. Phytochemical compounds were screened qualitatively. Twenty-five larvae were entered into each cup that had been mixed with five concentrations of EECP i.e., EECPI (100-), EECPII (150-), EECPIII (200-), EECPIV (250), EECPV (300 ppm), 1% of Temephos (T), and water (A). Alkaloid carpain, saponin, flavonoid, tannin, glycosides and triterpenoid/steroid were traced in EECP. The mortality of larvae at 180, 360, 1440 and 2880 minutes were observed. The lethal concentration (LC50) and lethal time (LT50) were measured. Probit analysis was used to determine the concentration of killing larvae. RESULTS: The mortality of larvae was found at 360 minutes only in EECPV. Then after 1440 minutes, all extracts shown the increasing of larvae mortality. LC50 and LT50 values were 215,96 ppm and 2,369 minutes of each. CONCLUSION: EECP has larvicidal activity to Aedes spp.

Nypa fruticans Wurmb. Vinegar's Aqueous Extract Stimulates Insulin Secretion and Exerts Hepatoprotective Effect on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: An aqueous extract (AE) of vinegar made from Nypa fruticans Wurmb. can improve postprandial glucose levels in normoglycaemic rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate its antihyperglycaemic activity further using in vivo and in vitro approaches. METHODS: AE was administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats twice daily at three doses (1000, 500, and 250 mg/kg b.w.) for 12 days p.o. Several biochemical analyses and a histological study of the pancreas and liver were performed, accompanied by a cell culture assay. RESULTS: As compared to diabetic control (DC), AE at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) of blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels, with positive improvement of serum insulin levels. Interestingly, immunohistochemical staining of the pancreas suggested no ß-cell regeneration, despite significant increase in insulin production. AE-treated groups, however, showed overall restoration of the hepatic histoarchitecture of STZ-induced liver damage, suggesting a possible hepatoprotective effect. The pancreatic effect of AE was further studied through RIN-5F cell culture, which revealed a positive stimulatory effect on insulin release at a basal glucose concentration (1.1 mM). CONCLUSION: Nypa fruticans Wurmb. vinegar's aqueous extract exerts its antihyperglycaemic activity, at least in part, through insulin stimulatory and hepatoprotective effects.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Methanol Extract of Syzygium polyanthum (Wight.) Leaf in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Syzygium polyanthum (S. polyanthum), a plant belonging to Myrtaceae, is widely used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. Diabetic patients in Indonesia also commonly use it as a traditional medicine. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of the methanol extract (ME) of S. polyanthum leaf and its possible mechanisms of action. To test for hypoglycemic activity, ME was administered orally to normal male Sprague Dawley rats after a 12-h fast. To further test for antihyperglycemic activity, the same treatment was administered to glucose-loaded (intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, IPGTT) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, respectively. Hypoglycemic test in normal rats did not show significant reduction in blood glucose levels (BGLs) by the extract. Furthermore, IPGTT conducted on glucose-loaded normal rats also did not show significant reduction of BGLs. However, repeated administration of metformin and three doses of ME (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for six days caused significant reduction of fasting BGLs in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms of action of S. polyanthum antihyperglycemic activity were assessed by measurement of intestinal glucose absorption and glucose uptake by isolated rat abdominal muscle. It was found that the extract not only inhibited glucose absorption from the intestine but also significantly increased glucose uptake in muscle tissue. A preliminary phytochemical qualitative analysis of ME indicated the presence of tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis detected squalene. In conclusion, S. polyanthum methanol leaf extract exerts its antihyperglycemic effect possibly by inhibiting glucose absorption from the intestine and promoting glucose uptake by the muscles.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Nypa fruticans Wurmb. vinegar sample from Malaysia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of nipa palm vinegar (NPV) used in traditional Malay medicine for treating diabetes. METHODS: NPV was extracted using liquid-liquid extraction method and the obtained samples were subjected to antidiabetic studies using normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models whereas antidoxidant activities were investigated via in vitro antioxidant tests namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid free radicals scavenging activities and the reducing power assay. RESULTS: Single administration of NPV and its extracts were not effective in both normal and diabetic rats. In intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, NPV and its aqueous extract showed significant blood glucose lowering effect. In the sub-acute study, compared with the diabetic control, aqueous extract of NPV showed the most notable blood glucose lowering effect (56.6%) and a significant improvement in serum insulin levels (79.8%, P < 0.05). To assess NPV's antioxidant activity, three in vitro antioxidant tests were employed: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid free radical-scavenging assays, and the reducing power assay. Ethyl acetate extract had the greatest antioxidant potential and content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. A linear positive correlation between the antioxidant parameters was observed. Chemical profiling analysis of aqueous extract of NPV revealed the presence of acetic acid (35.25%), the main active constituent which significantly contributed to the observed antidiabetic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous extract of NPV possesses antihyperglycaemic activities comparable to the metformin, while the ethyl acetate extract precipitated significant antioxidant effects attributable to its high phenolic content. These findings suggest that antioxidant compounds of NPV do not contribute much towards the overall observed antidiabetic effect.

Aqueous Extract of Nypa fruticans Wurmb. Vinegar Alleviates Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Normoglycemic Rats.

Nypa fruticans Wurmb. vinegar, commonly known as nipa palm vinegar (NPV) has been used as a folklore medicine among the Malay community to treat diabetes. Early work has shown that aqueous extract (AE) of NPV exerts a potent antihyperglycemic effect. Thus, this study is conducted to evaluate the effect of AE on postprandial hyperglycemia in an attempt to understand its mechanism of antidiabetic action. AE were tested via in vitro intestinal glucose absorption, in vivo carbohydrate tolerance tests and spectrophotometric enzyme inhibition assays. One mg/mL of AE showed a comparable outcome to the use of phloridzin (1 mM) in vitro as it delayed glucose absorption through isolated rat jejunum more effectively than acarbose (1 mg/mL). Further in vivo confirmatory tests showed AE (500 mg/kg) to cause a significant suppression in postprandial hyperglycemia 30 min following respective glucose (2 g/kg), sucrose (4 g/kg) and starch (3 g/kg) loadings in normal rats, compared to the control group. Conversely, in spectrophotometric enzymatic assays, AE showed rather a weak inhibitory activity against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase when compared with acarbose. The findings suggested that NPV exerts its anti-diabetic effect by delaying carbohydrate absorption from the small intestine through selective inhibition of intestinal glucose transporters, therefore suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities ofNypa fruticans Wurmb. vinegar sample from Malaysia

Objective:To study the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of nipa palm vinegar (NPV) used in traditional Malay medicine for treating diabetes.Methods:NPV was extracted using liquid-liquid extraction method and the obtained samples were subjected to antidiabetic studies using normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models whereas antidoxidant activities were investigated viain vitroantioxidant tests namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid free radicals scavenging activities and the reducing power assay.Results:Single administration of NPV and its extracts were not effective in both normal and diabetic rats. In intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, NPV and its aqueous extract showed significant blood glucose lowering effect. In the sub-acute study, compared with the diabetic control, aqueous extract of NPV showed the most notable blood glucose lowering effect (56.6%) and a significant improvement in serum insulin levels (79.8%, P<0.05). To assess NPV’s antioxidant activity, threein vitro antioxidant tests were employed:2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid free radical-scavenging assays, and the reducing power assay. Ethyl acetate extract had the greatest antioxidant potential and content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. A linear positive correlation between the antioxidant parameters was observed. Chemical profiling analysis of aqueous extract of NPV revealed the presence of acetic acid (35.25%), the main active constituent which significantly contributed to the observed antidiabetic activity.Conclusions:Aqueous extract of NPV possesses antihyperglycaemic activities comparable to the metformin, while the ethyl acetate extract precipitated significant antioxidant effects attributable to its high phenolic content. These findings suggest that antioxidant compounds of NPV do not contribute much towards the overall observed antidiabetic effect.