Hypoglycemic Potency of Selected Medicinal Plants in Nigeria

A preliminary phytochemical screening and hypoglycemic activities of the ethanolic extracts of phyllanthus niruri, fruits of Solanum melogena var esculentus, leaves and fruits of Solanum Xanthocarpum were investigated. All plant extracts were found to contain alkaloids and tannins, while saponin was found in all plants except Phyllanthus niruri. Coumarin was detected only in Solanum xanthocarpum (leaves), while anthrancenosides was detected in Phyllanthus niruri Solanum xanthocarpum (fruit) only. Hypoglycemic activity of all plants extracts were determined by postprandial glucose test after administration of extracts at 10mg/100g body weight to adult albino rats. Postprandial plasma glucose level was measured at 30 minutes intervals for 2 hours. The result of this study showed that all extracts had hypoglycemic activity with Solanum melongena var esculentus having the highest activity. Thus, the plants may be effective in the management of hyperglycemia may be attributed to the phytochemicals present in them plants

Raffia Palm (Raphia Hookeri) Wine: Qualitative Sugar Profile, Functional Chemistry, and Antidiabetic Properties

Published ArticleThe effects of short-term fermentation on the sugar quality, functional chemistry, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Raffia palm (Raphia hookeri) wine were investigated. Palm wine samples were subjected to open air fermentation for 24 and 48 h. The samples showed significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities with little or no differences between the unfermented and fermented samples. There was a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on α- glucosidase, α-amylase and intestinal glucose absorption with increasing fermentation time. Both non-fermented and 24 h fermentation led to increased muscle glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. 1H NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of allose, cellobiose, d-tagatose, fructose, galactitol, gluconic acid, rhamnose, sucrose, xylose and β-N-acetylglucosamine in the samples. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of alcohols, phenols, 1° and 2° amines and aromatics functional groups in all samples. Fermentation led to the addition of the functional group, bend alkenes. These results suggested that un-fermented and fermented Raffia palm wine may have antioxidant and antidiabetic properties

Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Java white’: Identification of some bioactive compounds by GC-MS and their effects on key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes

In this study, we identified bioactive compounds from the ethanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of Acalypha wilkesiana through GC-MS analysis and investigated the effects of these extracts on some of the enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Plant parts were extracted sequentially with ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of long-chain alkyl acids, esters, ketones and alcohols including phytol and phytol acetate along with some secondary metabolites such as xanthone, vitamin E and various types of sterols including stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol. Ethanolic extracts of all the parts showed a dose-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. The extracts also demonstrated anti-lipase activity. The ethanolic extract of root bark showed the highest inhibition of enzymes compared to other extracts. The EC50 values (concentrations for 50 % inhibition) of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase inhibition were 35.75 ± 1.95, 6.25 ± 1.05 and 101.33 ± 5.21 µg mL–1, resp. The study suggests that A. wilkesiana ethanolic extracts have the ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm the responsible bioactive compounds in this regard

Chemical Evaluation of African Palm Weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis, Larvae as a Food Source

The chemical properties of the African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae were evaluated using standard methodology. The chloroform-methanol extract yielded 37.12% on a dry basis. The oil was liquid at room temperature with a flash point of 36.0 °C. Analysis of the physical constants indicated values of 192.25 Wijs and 427.70 mg KOH/g as iodine and saponification, respectively. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids at low levels. Palmitic acid and stearic acid constituted 35.3 and 60.5% of the oil, respectively. The usual behaviour of the oil at room temperature, irrespective of the level of unsaturation of its constituent fatty acid was noted. The total protein content of the defatted palm weevil larva (dry basis) was estimated at 66.3%. The amino acid values compared favourably to FAO reference protein, except for tryptophan, which was limiting. All the other essential amino acids were adequate. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of potassium (1025 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (685 mg/100 g). The dried and defatted palm weevil lava represents a very good source of protein, and a good complement of essential amino acids

Coconut (<i>Cocos nucifera</i> (L.)) Water Improves Glucose Uptake with Concomitant Modulation of Antioxidant and Purinergic Activities in Isolated Rat Psoas Muscles

The present study investigated the effect of coconut water on glucose uptake and utilization, and metabolic activities linked to hyperglycemia in isolated rat psoas muscles. Coconut water was subjected to in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic assays, which cover 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Psoas muscles were isolated from male Sprague Dawley rats and incubated with coconut water in the presence of glucose. Control consisted of muscles incubated with glucose only, while normal control consisted of muscles not incubated in coconut water and/or glucose. The standard antidiabetic drug was metformin. Incubation with coconut water led to a significant increase in muscle glucose uptake, with concomitant exacerbation of glutathione level, and SOD and catalase activities, while suppressing malondialdehyde level, and ATPase and E-NTDase activities. Coconut water showed significant scavenging activity against DPPH, and significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. LC-MS analysis of coconut water revealed the presence of ellagic acid, butin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, baicalin, and silibinin. Molecular docking analysis revealed potent molecular interactions between the LC-MS-identified compounds, and AKT-2 serine and PI-3 kinase. These results indicate the potential of coconut water to enhance glucose uptake, while concomitantly improving antioxidative and purinergic activities. They also indicate the potential of coconut water to suppress postprandial hyperglycemia. These activities may be attributed to the synergistic effects of the LC-MS-identified compounds

Red honeybush (Cyclopia genistoides) tea mitigates oxidative imbalance and hyperlipidemia, while improving glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic rats

Red honeybush tea (RHT) is a tea product developed from Cyclopia spp. which is endemic to South Africa. Aside refreshment, RHT has over the years been used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases including type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the in vivo antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity of RHT concentrated hot water extract in type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats. T2D was induced starting with feeding 10 % fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight (BW)). Five weeks of treatment of RHT led to significant (P < 0.05) elevation in serum insulin, pancreatic β-cell function, HDL-c levels with concomitant decrease in AST, ALT, ALP, urea, CK-MB, fructosamine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. RHT also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased MDA levels and enhanced level of GSH, activity of SOD, catalase, GR in most of organs (pancreas, liver, kidneys, and heart). Significantly (P < 0.05) improved morphological changes in the islets and β-cells were observed in rats treated with RHT. The data of this study suggest that RHT demonstrates an outstanding antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects in STZ-induced T2D model of rats

Suppressive Effects of Clerodendrum volubile P Beauv. [Labiatae] Methanolic Extract and Its Fractions on Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications

Type 2 diabetes is the most prominent of all diabetes types, contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Availability and cost of treatment with little or no side effect especially in developing countries, remains a huge burden. This has led to the search of affordable alternative therapies especially from medicinal plants. In this study, the antidiabetic effect of the methanolic extract, dichloromethane (DCM), butanol (BuOH) and aqueous fractions of Clerodendrum volubile leaves were investigated in type 2 diabetic rats for their effect on glucose homeostasis, serum insulin level and hepatic biomarkers, lipid profile, pancreatic redox balance and Ca2+ levels, and β-cell distribution and function. The DCM was further fractionated to isolate the active compounds, biochanin and 5,7,4′-trimethoxykaempferol. They were investigated for their toxicity and ADMET properties, α-glucosidase and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities in silico. There were significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, vLDL-C, triglyceride, AST and ALT levels in all treated groups, with DCM fraction showing the best activity. All treated rats showed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved anti-oxidative activities. Treatment with the DCM fraction led to significant (p &lt; 0.05) increased serum insulin and pancreatic Ca2+ levels, as well as improved β-cell distribution and function. DCM fraction also showed improved glucose tolerance. DCM fraction dose-dependently inhibited ACE activity. The toxicity class of the isolated compounds was predicted to be 5. They were also predicted to be potent inhibitors of cytochrome P (CYPs) 1A2, 2D6 and 3A4. They docked well with α-glucosidase and ACE. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of the plant against type 2 diabetes, with the DCM fraction being the most potent which may be attributed to the isolated flavones. It further suggests antihypertensive potentials of the DCM fraction. However, inhibition of CYPs by the flavones may suggest caution in usage with other prescribed drugs metabolized by these enzymes

Artesunate-induced testicular injury: Oil from selected spices blend modulates redox homeostasis and exacerbates steroidogenesis in rat models

The therapeutic potential of oil from blends of selected culinary spices against artesunate-induced testicular injury in albino rats was investigated. Two groups of rats each were pretreated with the oil at 1.5 and 3.00 mL respectively for seven days and after which administered artesunate (100 mg/kg bw) for seven days; two other groups were administered artesunate for seven days and after which post treated with the oil at both doses respectively for another seven days; another groups were co-administered artesunate and the oil for seven days. A group was administered artesunate only for seven days, while another was fed chows only. After sacrifice, the testicular homogenates of the rats were analysed for GSH, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities. LPO and GSH levels, SOD and CAT activities were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rats administered artesunate only, these were significantly lowered in all treatment groups. Administration of artesunate significantly suppressed steroidogenesis, this was attenuated in all treatment groups. The antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidative and steriodogenetic effects of the oil indicate its protective potential against artesunate-induced oxidative testicular damage